The special counsel team investigating alleged government interference in the initial probe into the 2023 death of a Marine has summoned former Marine Corps Commandant Kim Kye-hwan for a second round of questioning.

Kim appeared at the office of Special Counsel Lee Myeong-hyeon in southern Seoul around 10 a.m. Sunday, two days after his previous session.

He did not respond to questions from reporters regarding the case.

The retired three-star general faces allegations of abuse of authority, obstruction of rights, and making false statements intended to harm others.

Kim is considered a key figure in the investigation, having first informed Park Jung-hun, the former chief investigator of the Marine Corps, of then-President Yoon Suk Yeol's alleged outburst over Park's initial findings.

His testimony is seen as potentially pivotal in clarifying the extent of the Yoon administration's involvement in the probe.