▲ Former President Yoon Suk Yeol (Yonhap)

ex-president-Marine death probe

Ex-President Yoon denies all charges in 1st trial hearing over interference in Marine death probe

SEOUL, April 29 (Yonhap) -- Former President Yoon Suk Yeol's lawyers on Wednesday denied all charges during the first hearing of his trial over allegations of interfering in a probe into the 2023 death of a Marine.

The ousted former president has been indicted on abuse of power and other charges for allegedly exerting undue influence on the probe to cover up its results that found a senior Marine commander responsible for the Marine's death in July 2023.

"We deny everything in the indictment," Yoon's lawyer said at the Seoul Central District Court, claiming the former president does not know the now former Marine commander. "There is no motive to intervene in the investigation."

Yoon, who appeared for the hearing, also argued against the case, dismissing allegations that he erupted in anger upon hearing the probe's results.

Other defendants in the case, including former National Security Adviser Cho Tae-yong and former Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup, also denied charges raised against them.

The special counsel team believes Yoon made unlawful orders to the defense ministry and the presidential office at the time, compromising the fairness of the investigation.

Cpl. Chae Su-geun, the late Marine, died after being swept away in a swollen stream during a search mission for victims of heavy rains without wearing a life vest or other safety equipment.

Yoon has been standing a total of eight trials after his failed martial law bid in December 2024. He was sentenced to life by a district court in February for leading an insurrection through his martial law declaration.

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