Seoul: A special counsel team on Friday initiated the execution of a warrant to search the residence of former President Yoon Suk Yeol as part of its investigation into alleged interference in the initial probe into the 2023 death of a Marine conscript.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the team arrived at Yoon's home in southern Seoul and is currently negotiating the details of the raid with the former president's legal representatives. The investigation focuses on allegations that high-ranking officials, including Yoon, interfered with the military's inquiry into the death of Cpl. Chae Su-geun. Cpl. Chae was swept away by a swollen stream during a search operation for victims of torrential rain in July 2023.

Yoon, a suspect in the case on charges of abuse of power, is currently held at the Seoul Detention Center in Uiwang, just south of Seoul. This follows a court-issued warrant for his arrest on Thursday over his unsuccessful attempt to impose martial law.

The investigation centers on claims that Yoon was displeased with the military's findings regarding Cpl. Chae's death, which held a senior Marine commander accountable. Following the incident, a planned media briefing on the investigation was canceled, and military investigators were reportedly instructed to halt the transfer of the case to the police.

Choung Min-young, an assistant special prosecutor, stated that the team aims to investigate details of the meeting and the instructions allegedly given at that time.

In parallel, the team also searched the residence of former Director of the National Intelligence Service Cho Tae-yong, who was present at the meeting where Yoon allegedly expressed his anger, among other locations earlier in the day. This action followed raids conducted on Thursday at the defense ministry, the presidential National Security Office, and other sites.