Former Marine Corps Investigation Unit Chief: "Commander, Make an Honorable Choice Even Now"

Marine Corps Commander Appears as Witness, Enters Courtroom Without Answering Reporters' Questions

Former Marine Corps Investigation Unit Commander Park Jeong-hoon urged Marine Corps Commander Kim Gye-hwan on the 1st, saying, "I hope you make an honorable choice as the commander, even at this point."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Before attending the second trial session in which the military prosecution indicted him on charges of insubordination and defamation of a superior officer that morning, Park told reporters in front of the Central Regional Military Court at the Yongsan Ministry of National Defense, "Looking back, all the events surrounding me originated from the vow I made in front of the late Corporal Chae Soo-geun’s body to ensure 'no injustice remains in your death.'" He added, "Those who are directly or indirectly related to Corporal Chae Soo-geun’s death must put their hands on their hearts and ask themselves whether they are truly upright and have a clear conscience." He also said, "I ask for the support of the people so that this year will be a year of justice where all matters are rightly resolved."

About 20 members of the Marine Corps Veterans Association accompanied former Commander Park on his way to the trial that day. Marine Corps Commander Kim Gye-hwan appeared as a witness at the trial. It is known to be the first time a sitting Marine Corps commander has appeared in a military court trial. Park stated, "Since the incident, I have had no contact with (the commander)," and revealed that meeting Commander Kim was the first time since August 2 of last year. Arriving at the military court parking lot by vehicle, Commander Kim did not respond to reporters’ questions and headed to the courtroom with a stern expression.

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