On the 4th, the special prosecutor investigating the death of a Marine is conducting a search and seizure of former Prosecutor General Sim Woo-jung.
The special prosecutor noted that they are searching former Prosecutor General Sim in relation to suspicions surrounding the appointment of former Minister of National Defense Lee Jong-seop as ambassador to Australia. It has been confirmed that the search includes former General Sim's vehicle, but his residence was not included in the search.
The special prosecutor has been investigating the suspicions regarding the ambassadorial appointment of former Minister Lee. He was appointed ambassador to Australia last year while being a suspect in the investigation into the death of Corporal Chae Soo-geun, raising 'escape suspicions'. Former General Sim was the Vice Minister of Justice at that time.
At that time, the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials had prohibited former Minister Lee from leaving the country. However, during the process of his appointment as ambassador to Australia on March 4th last year, a request for objection from the Ministry of Justice was accepted, leading to the lifting of the travel ban.
Meanwhile, the special prosecutor is expected to examine the materials secured that day to investigate the process regarding the appointment of former Minister Lee as ambassador to Australia and the lifting of the travel ban.