Marine Corps Former Investigation Unit Chief to Attend Disciplinary Committee on the 18th

The disciplinary committee meeting scheduled for the 16th regarding former Marine Corps Investigation Unit Commander (Colonel) Park Jeong-hoon, who was booked on charges of insubordination, for appearing on live TV without approval, has been postponed to the 18th.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Kim Kyung-ho, Park's legal representative, stated on the 16th, "The Marine Corps Command's disciplinary committee has been postponed to 2 p.m. on the 18th," and that Colonel Park is expected to attend.

The Marine Corps Command raised issues with Colonel Park appearing on KBS 1TV current affairs programs 'Sasa Geongeon' and 'News 9' without prior approval immediately after refusing an investigation by the Ministry of National Defense prosecution unit on the 11th. They demanded that Colonel Park appear at the disciplinary committee on the 16th. In response, Colonel Park's side requested a postponement of the disciplinary committee attendance to ensure the right to provide an explanation.

Regarding the KBS broadcast appearance, lawyer Kim Kyung-ho argued, "As a soldier, he urgently appeared on only one broadcasting station to express his opinion, which is merely the exercise of the constitutionally guaranteed right to rebuttal," and claimed, "This disciplinary action is unlawful." He also pointed out, "The Marine Corps disciplinary committee does not disclose the names of its members," calling this a serious violation of the law.

Previously, Colonel Park reported to the Minister of National Defense the investigation results indicating that eight individuals, including the commander of the 1st Marine Division, were suspected of negligent homicide related to the death of Corporal Chae. He then attempted to hand over the case to the police. However, the Ministry of National Defense changed its policy to withhold the handover, and when Colonel Park did not comply, he was booked on charges of 'leading collective insubordination,' which was later changed to 'insubordination.'

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