Special Prosecutor Seizes Phones of Ex-Marine Commander’s Wife Amid ‘Lobby for Exoneration’ Probe

Introduction

On July 18, 2025, the Special Prosecutor’s Office for the ‘fallen marine’ case executed a search warrant at the residence of former Marine 1st Division Commander Im Seong-geun in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, seizing two mobile phones belonging to his wife, A, along with Im’s laptop and tablet PC. The move underscores prosecutors’ focus on alleged ‘lobby for exoneration’ efforts by Im’s family to influence the Chae Sang-byeong fatality investigation.

Background of the Chae Sang-byeong Case

In July 2023, Corporal Chae Sang-byeong died during a flood-relief operation. Initial Marine probe classified Im Seong-geun as a suspect for negligent homicide. However, after the Ministry of Defense reclaimed the case from the Marine investigation team, Im was removed from the suspect list—raising suspicions of external pressure.

Search Warrant and Seized Devices

Special Prosecutor Lee Myeong-hyeon’s team arrived at Im’s Pyeongtaek home at 8:35 AM, completing the search by 11:40 AM. They seized two phones (Im’s and his wife’s), a laptop, and a tablet PC. The counsel previously obtained A’s communication records from the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) and found contacts between her and aides of former First Lady Kim Keon-hee.

Im Seong-geun’s Public Response

Later that day, Im posted on his café website acknowledging the search and pledging full cooperation, while denying that any family-led exoneration lobbying occurred. “My family has undertaken zero lobbying activities,” he asserted.

Allegations of Presidential and Religious Influence

Prosecutors suspect former Black Pearl Invest. CEO Lee Jong-ho—known as an aide to Kim Keon-hee—urged Im to remain in command, claiming he would speak to the ‘VIP’. Alleged recorded chats in a group called ‘Fashionable Marines’ show Im’s colleagues planning to request presidential intervention to remove him from the negligent homicide suspect list.

Parallel Raids on Political and Religious Figures

On July 18, search warrants were also executed at the homes and offices of People Power Party lawmaker Lee Cheol-gyu and attorney Ko Seok. Separately, prosecutors raided residences of religious figures—including Far East Broadcasting chairman Kim Jang-hwan, Yoido Full Gospel Church pastor Lee Young-hoon, and Marine chaplain Major Baek Myeong-gyu—to examine claims that Im’s family sought support through church channels.

Latest Developments in the Special Counsel Investigation

Since taking over from the CIO, the special prosecutor has broadened the probe to include communications logs, server records of military ‘burner’ phones, and internal Defense Ministry documents suggesting high-level interference. On July 24, prosecutors seized records from the Defense Command Communications Directorate to trace Im’s burner-phone calls from July–August 2023, when the Marine investigation first flagged him as a suspect.

Domestic Community Reaction

Online forums such as Naver, Daum, DC Inside, and FMKorea have been abuzz: - Naver: Mixed reactions—some users call for transparency and harsh punishment, while others express skepticism about political motivations. - Daum: Users demand swift justice but warn against a ‘witch hunt’. - DC Inside: Heated debates over the role of religious networks in politics. - FMKorea: Criticism of both ruling and opposition parties for alleged power-play. Representative comment: “If evidence shows VIP intervention, there must be no mercy.”

International Perspective and Cultural Insight

Understanding Korean *chaebol*-style influence and the weight of *han* (deep grievance) is crucial for foreign observers. The intertwining of military hierarchy, presidential power, and religious networks reflects broader societal concerns about accountability. The case exemplifies how *in-group* loyalty and *out-group* suspicion shape public discourse in South Korea, especially on military matters.

Conclusion

As the special counsel digs deeper into phone logs, server data, and high-level documents, the fate of Im Seong-geun—and broader questions about political influence over military justice—hang in the balance. Watch for further developments when prosecutors analyze the newly seized devices and question key figures in the alleged lobbying network.