The Marine Special Investigation Team announced on the 21st that it plans to extend the investigation period for the first time. The reason is that there is still a substantial amount to investigate.
On the 21st, Special Investigator Jeong Min-yong stated during a morning briefing that "about ten days remain in the first investigation period," adding, "There are still significant matters requiring analysis of seized items and additional investigations, and many individuals need to be called in as witnesses and suspects."
He also noted that "according to Article 9, Paragraph 3 of the Special Investigation Act for the Marine Corps, it has been decided to extend the investigation period by 30 days." The special investigation team plans to report the reasons for the extension of the investigation period in writing to the President and the National Assembly next week.
According to the Special Investigation Act, the team must complete the investigation and decide whether to file charges within 60 days from the day after the end of the preparation period. However, after reporting in writing to the President and the National Assembly, the investigation period can be extended by 30 days once, and if that is insufficient, it may be extended by an additional 30 days with presidential approval.
The Marine Special Investigation Team has been conducting investigations for 50 days from July 2 until today. As of today, there are only ten days left until the investigation is completed.
Special Investigator Jeong stated, "If the investigation period is extended by 30 days, September 29 will be the last day of the first investigation period."