ANKARA

South Korea's former Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul appeared before prosecutors Wednesday for questioning about his alleged role in government interference surrounding the 2023 death of a Marine, according to Yonhap News.

Cho, who was named a suspect for the first time, is accused of helping former Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup evade an investigation by facilitating his appointment as ambassador to Australia in March 2024, despite Lee being under a travel ban.

“I will speak sincerely during the investigation,” Cho told reporters.

Prosecutors are probing the death of Lance Corporal Chae Su-geun, who was swept away in a swollen stream during a search for torrential rain victims in July 2023.

The team is also investigating the alleged interference of former President Yoon Suk Yeol in the investigation into Chae's death.

Military investigators had concluded that Lim Seong-geun, then-commander of the Marine Corps 1st Division, and seven other officers bore responsibility for the death and sought to transfer them to police custody on negligent homicide and other charges.

*Writing by Islamuddin Sajid