On the third anniversary of Marine Chae Haebyeong's death in service, the Democratic Party stated, "We will create a country where justice prevails through complete truth-finding, legal accountability, and measures to prevent recurrence of such incidents, condemning external pressure from power."
Spokesperson Park Hae-cheol conveyed this message in a written briefing, stating, "We will not forget Chae Haebyeong's sacrifice. Protecting the lives and safety of the people will be our top priority in governance."
Park continued, "Three years ago today, Chae Haebyeong lost his life while carrying out a search mission for missing persons during a disaster. His death was a tragedy resulting from the state's failure to fulfill its responsibility to protect the lives and safety of its citizens."
He emphasized, "Even more shocking is the suspicion of concealment and external pressure on the investigation raised after the incident. The external pressure and organized concealment aimed at hiding the truth about the soldier's death constitute a serious crime that undermines the trust of the people in the state and its institutions."
Additionally, he noted, "From the beginning of the incident, the Democratic Party has consistently demanded truth-finding, the introduction of a special investigation, and punishment for those responsible. Through the special investigation, the facts regarding the responsibility for Chae Haebyeong's death and the allegations of external pressure and obstruction of the investigation have been revealed to the public."
Park added, "A total of 33 individuals, including former President Yoon Suk Yeol and former division commander Lim Seong-geun, have been referred to trial in connection with the external pressure on the investigation and those responsible for the incident."
He concluded, "Protecting the lives of the people is the greatest duty of the state. The Democratic Party will fulfill its responsibilities and roles as the ruling party to ensure that no young person responding to the call of the nation is sacrificed again, and that the truth is not obscured by power."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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