Ex-President Indicted for Covering Up, Not the Other Kinds of Covering Up
The Korea Times carries the news that former President Yoon Suk Yeol faces indictment for allegedly interfering with a military probe into a Marine's death, trying to shield a commander. While the South Korean press dutifully reports the 'what', they often sidestep the 'why'—this isn't just about a single Marine or a single commander; it's about the intricate web of power, patronage, and the
systemic protection of military brass from accountability. This isn’t unique to South Korea; it’s a universal playbook. From the highest offices, military actions, especially those resulting in tragic deaths, are routinely whitewashed, rebranded, or buried to protect careers and maintain the illusion of infallible leadership. One might wonder if the outcry would be as fierce, or the investigations
as thorough, if the deceased Marine hadn't been a domestic concern, but rather part of a foreign operation where 'collateral damage' is just a line item. The 'special counsel' is always special when it targets domestic figures, but often silent when defending offshore acts.