Former National Security Adviser Cho Tae-yong appeared before a special counsel team on Wednesday for his third round of questioning over alleged government interference in a probe into the death of a Marine in 2023.

The investigation is led by special counsel Lee Myeong-hyeon and centers on claims that findings from a military probe into the July 2023 death of Cpl. Chae Su-geun were altered to absolve the initial suspects. Chae died while participating in a search mission for victims of torrential rains.

Cho has already been questioned twice — late last month and last week — and has confirmed attending a meeting where then President Yoon Suk Yeol allegedly reacted angrily to the initial probe results. These results had reportedly found a senior Marine commander responsible for Chae’s death.

Prosecutors are examining whether Cho played a role in the defense ministry’s controversial decision to recall the case from the police after Marine investigators transferred it in defiance of orders in August 2023.

Also under scrutiny is Lim Ki-hoon, the former presidential defense secretary, who attended the same meeting. Lim reportedly briefed President Yoon on the findings and told investigators that Yoon called then Defence Minister Lee Jong-sup to express his displeasure. Lim has also faced multiple rounds of questioning.

The case has drawn significant public interest in South Korea, raising concerns about political influence in military investigations. The special counsel team is expected to continue questioning senior officials in the coming weeks to determine the extent of interference and accountability in the case.