Seoul: Special Prosecutor Lee Myeong-hyeon's team on Thursday raided the defense ministry and the presidential National Security Office (NSO) as part of an investigation into allegations that top military officials and the presidential office intervened in an initial probe of the 2023 death of a young Marine.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the team reportedly sent investigators to the NSO, the ministry's spokesperson's room, and other places and residences of those involved in the allegations in the morning to secure evidence. The investigation focuses on allegations that former President Yoon Suk Yeol expressed anger and dissatisfaction with the results of the military's investigation into the death of Cpl. Chae Su-geun, who was swept away by a swollen stream during a search for torrential rain victims in July 2023.

At the time, Yoon allegedly became "enraged," questioning, "Who would be willing to be a division commander if he is punished for an incident like this?" The special counsel team reportedly plans to seize NSO meeting minutes related to Yoon's alleged resentment and materials on the defense ministry's responses to media reports on the Marine's death.

During a briefing, Assistant Special Prosecutor Jeong Min-young stated that the team will "look into what kind of contact the involved parties made via cell phones and other means," emphasizing their commitment to uncovering the truth behind the allegations. Earlier in the day, the presidential office announced its willingness to actively cooperate with the ongoing investigation into the NSO.