Marine Corps Former Investigation Unit Chief Denies Political Ambition: "Now and Always a Soldier"

Former Marine Corps Investigation Unit Commander (Colonel) Park Jeong-hoon denied rumors about his entry into politics, stating, "I only hope that the late Corporal Chae's case is handled lawfully and according to principles."

On the 20th, Colonel Park emphasized through his legal representative, lawyer Kim Kyung-ho, in a statement, "I was a soldier from the beginning, I am a soldier now, and I will remain a soldier," adding, "I do not understand politics, the ruling or opposition parties, or political judgments. I do not want to learn about them in the future either."

Park Jung-hoon, Former Commander of the Marine Corps Investigation Unit [Image Source=Yonhap News]

He said, "There are many suspicions and speculations surrounding Corporal Chae's death, but one thing is certain: I have no political inclination or intention related to this case," and added, "I am just a foolish soldier who only knows loyalty, justice, and camaraderie."

He continued, "I will continue to maintain political neutrality as a soldier and restore my honor," and stated, "Once this case is concluded, I only wish to quietly finish my remaining military service by returning to my original position as a soldier." He also appealed, "I sincerely hope that my true intentions are not distorted in relation to the current situation."

Earlier, Shin Won-sik, a member of the People Power Party, harshly criticized Park for refusing to undergo investigation by the Ministry of National Defense prosecution team after being booked on charges of insubordination, calling it "behavior worthy of a low-class third-rate politician." Yoo Sang-beom, the senior spokesperson of the People Power Party, also launched an offensive on the 14th during an appearance on MBC Radio's 'Kim Jong-bae's Focus,' saying, "I am confused whether Colonel Park is a soldier or a politician."

The Democratic Party of Korea launched a task force (TF) on the 16th to investigate the truth behind Corporal Chae's case and plans to visit the Marine Corps Command soon. They are also considering demanding a special prosecutor and filing complaints against the Minister of National Defense, Deputy Minister, and Marine Corps Commander with the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials.

It has been a month since Corporal Chae was deployed on the 19th of last month to search for missing persons due to heavy rain damage in Yecheon, Gyeongbuk, and was swept away by a rapid current and died in the line of duty, but the police investigation has not yet been conducted.

However, the Ministry of National Defense retrieved the investigation report from the Gyeongbuk Provincial Police Agency and has been reviewing it at the Investigation Headquarters, the highest direct investigative agency under the Ministry of National Defense, since the 9th. The Ministry's Investigation Headquarters has virtually completed the review and is expected to transfer the case to the police soon.

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