Seoul: Former President Yoon Suk Yeol's lawyers denied all charges during the first hearing of his trial over allegations of interfering in a probe into the 2023 death of a Marine. Yoon, who was ousted from his position, faces indictment on charges including abuse of power for allegedly influencing the investigation to conceal findings that implicated a senior Marine commander in the Marine's death in July 2023.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Yoon's lawyer stated at the Seoul Central District Court that the former president has no knowledge of the former Marine commander involved, arguing there was no motive for him to intervene in the investigation. Yoon himself contested the allegations, rejecting claims that he reacted angrily to the probe's results.

Other defendants, such as former National Security Adviser Cho Tae-yong and former Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup, also rejected the charges against them. The special counsel team contends that Yoon issued unlawful orders to the defense ministry and the presidential office, which allegedly compromised the investigation's integrity.

Cpl. Chae Su-geun, the Marine who died, was swept away in a swollen stream during a search mission for heavy rain victims, reportedly lacking essential safety gear. Yoon is currently facing multiple trials following his failed martial law attempt in December 2024, and he was sentenced to life imprisonment by a district court in February for leading an insurrection through this martial law declaration.