Seoul: A special counsel team on Monday sought a five-year prison term for a former Marine commander on charges of negligently causing the death of a young Marine in 2023. Lim Seong-geun, former commander of the Marine Corps 1st Division, is accused of ordering search operations for victims of heavy rains in Yecheon, some 160 kilometers southeast of Seoul, in July 2023 without providing life vests and other safety equipment.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Cpl. Chae Su-geun, who was involved in the search operation, died after being swept away in a swollen stream. A member of special counsel Lee Myeong-hyeon's team commented during the final trial hearing at the Seoul Central District Court, stating that Lim had a decisive influence on the accident by prioritizing active search operations over safety.

The special counsel highlighted that despite being aware of the underwater search conditions through news reports, Lim turned a blind eye and failed to implement necessary safety measures. Besides negligent homicide charges, Lim faced indictment for allegedly disobeying orders to transfer operational control to the Army during the search.

In his final statement, Lim expressed his apologies to the late Marine's family and acknowledged moral responsibility but maintained that he does not deserve criminal punishment. Chae's mother addressed the court, requesting heavy punishment for Lim and expressing her resentment for the search order.

The special counsel team also sought prison terms ranging from one year to 2 1/2 years for four other Marine officials involved in the operations.