Seoul: A special counsel team on Wednesday intensified its investigation into claims that high-ranking officials, including those from the presidential office, meddled in an initial probe concerning the tragic death of a Marine in 2023.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the allegations focus on potential interference by the then presidential office under ousted President Yoon Suk Yeol in the investigation into Cpl. Chae Su-geun's death. Chae died while searching for victims of torrential rains in July 2023 without essential safety equipment, such as a life jacket.

Last week, a former Marine investigator who led the initial probe was acquitted of insubordination charges related to the case and reinstated. Earlier in the day, Col. Park Jung-hun, who had been dismissed from his position in August 2023 and recently reinstated, appeared at Special Prosecutor Lee Myeong-hyeon's office for questioning as a witness.

Upon his arrival, Park asserted that those who interfered in the investigation must be "held accountable." The special counsel team has been investigating claims that Yoon expressed anger during a meeting of senior presidential secretaries on July 31, 2023, after receiving a briefing on the initial probe's results, which implicated a senior Marine commander in Chae's death.

Former Principal Deputy National Security Adviser Kim Tae-hyo acknowledged last week that Yoon was indeed upset during the 2023 meeting. Park commented, "Now that it's proven that it's a fact and not a rumor, the truth will be revealed. I believe the special counsel is uncovering many facts, and those responsible must be held accountable."

Additionally, former presidential secretary Kang Eui-gu also appeared for questioning as a witness. Although Kang did not attend the July 31 meeting, he reportedly had several phone conversations with then-presidential defense secretary Lim Ki-hoon that day. Lim is suspected of informing then Marine Corps Commandant Kim Kye-hwan about Yoon's anger during the meeting.