[HIGHLIGHTS] Korean media: Before the investigation of the case involved was completed, South Korea’s former defense minister left the country to take up his new post.

South Korea’s former defense minister left the country to take up his new post. Lee Jong-seop was accused of abusing his power, allegedly exerting pressure on the relevant military departments to investigate the case.

In July 2023, Marine Corps soldier Cai died in the line of duty while performing a flood prevention mission. The Senior Public Officials Crime Investigation Division (Public Investigation Division) filed the case in January 2024 and took measures to ban the main persons involved in the case from leaving the country.