Plaque Ceremony for Late Sergeant Lee Yeram Special Investigation Team and Start of Investigation "Conducting a Strict Investigation" (Comprehensive)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] The special prosecution team led by Ahn Mi-young (55, 25th Judicial Research and Training Institute), assigned to the case of the late Air Force Sergeant Lee Ye-ram's death, held a plaque ceremony and began the investigation on the 7th at an office set up in Migeun-dong, Seodaemun-gu.

Special Prosecutor Ahn stated, "We will do our best to uncover the truth behind Sergeant Lee's death within the legally granted investigation period," adding, "While adhering to the due process and evidentiary principles stipulated by the Constitution and the Criminal Procedure Act, we will swiftly find objective evidence and strictly investigate to hold those responsible for illegal acts accountable based on that evidence." She further said, "Through this special investigation, I hope that such a tragedy will never be repeated within the military." The special prosecution team is expected to summon and investigate related parties once the review of materials is completed. The team was formed 381 days after Sergeant Lee took her own life on May 21 last year. This is the 14th special prosecution in the history of our constitutional government.

The Ministry of National Defense, which initially investigated the case, filed criminal charges against 25 related individuals in October last year, but only prosecuted 15. The command, including Jeon Ik-su, Air Force Legal Office Chief who supervised and directed the 20th Wing Military Police and military prosecutors responsible for the initial investigation, was not prosecuted due to insufficient evidence. Sergeant Lee was transferred to the 15th Wing after being sexually assaulted but faced reprimands and harsh treatment at the new unit, leading to her extreme choice within three days. However, personnel from this unit were also not prosecuted due to lack of evidence. Special Prosecutor Ahn said, "Even after the prosecution of 15 individuals, various suspicions about inadequate investigations, secondary victimization, concealment, cover-ups, and coercion by investigative agencies and their command continued to be raised," adding, "Therefore, a special prosecutor was appointed, and the special prosecution team was tasked with uncovering the truth of the case."

During the subsequent Q&A, Special Prosecutor Ahn said, "We will refer to the existing investigations but thoroughly uncover the truth from a new perspective." When asked about the possibility that key evidence might have disappeared, she responded, "Although more than a year has passed since the incident and the special prosecution has just started, there are existing materials, and we will devise appropriate measures."

Regarding whether re-investigation of Sergeant Jang, who was tried on charges of sexually assaulting Sergeant Lee (including forced sexual assault and injury of a soldier), is possible, she explained, "The scope of already prosecuted cases is not subject to our investigation," but added, "If additional cases are identified during the investigation, legally, investigation is possible."

When asked if the secondary harm claimed by the bereaved family against Sergeant Lee is also within the investigation scope, Special Prosecutor Ahn emphasized, "The part referred to as 'secondary victimization' in the law is also within the special prosecution's investigation scope," and said, "We plan to meet with the bereaved family at their convenience."

The special prosecution must complete the investigation by August 13, according to the 'Lee Ye-ram Special Prosecution Act,' which sets the investigation period at 70 days. However, if the investigation is not completed or a decision on prosecution is not made by then, the investigation period can be extended by 30 days with presidential approval.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.