The Marine Corps special counsel decided to extend its investigation period for a second time, which is set to expire on the 29th of this month. If the president approves, the investigation period will be extended until Nov. 28.
On the 26th, special counsel investigator Jeong Min-young said at a morning briefing that "there are still matters to investigate, and during the course of the probe we became aware of additional allegations such as destruction of evidence and perjury, so we decided on a second extension of the investigation period and submitted a written report to the National Assembly and the president today."
Jeong said, "If we extend it once more with the president's approval, it will reach the maximum investigation period set by law and will expire on Nov. 28."
Earlier, the special counsel extended the investigation period once last month. After that, with the special counsel act amended, an additional extension of the investigation period became possible.
The special counsel said it would actively use Article 23, "provisions on reduction of punishment, etc.," of the amended special counsel act. Jeong said, "With respect to the targets of the special counsel's investigation, we intend to actively use the provision that allows for reduction of punishment, as in the case of voluntary surrender, taking into account the submission of evidence or statements about another person's crime."
Jeong said, "Regarding the main targets of the investigation related to the death of the Marine who died in the line of duty, those who submit evidence or actively testify to uncover the truth and prove the core suspect's crime will be considered eligible for reduced punishment during the special counsel's indictment and maintenance of charges," adding, "We need the cooperation of those involved in the investigation who know facts helpful to proving the crime or who possess evidence."