A digital forensic examination of former President Yoon Suk-yeol’s iPhone has hit a significant roadblock as the device is confirmed to have dual-lock security—both a passcode and Face ID biometric authentication. The phone is a key piece of evidence in the special counsel’s probe into alleged interference in the investigation of a deceased South Korean Marine.
The special counsel team, tasked with uncovering potential pressure from the former administration in the Corporal Chae case, seized Yoon’s iPhone during a raid on July 11 at his residence in Seocho-dong, Seoul. However, Yoon has refused to provide the passcode, and the presence of Face ID further complicates efforts to access internal data.
According to a CBS NoCut News report on July 23, even after ten days, the National Forensic Service has yet to begin the analysis due to the high security configuration of the iPhone, widely regarded as one of the most secure consumer devices globally. Experts note that without voluntary cooperation, decrypting the device may be virtually impossible.
The stakes are high. Investigators believe Yoon’s iPhone may contain critical communications that could confirm whether he ordered or influenced the halting or alteration of a military probe into Corporal Chae’s death. Of particular interest are records around the so-called “VIP rage incident” on July 31, 2023. On that date, Yoon is alleged to have expressed strong disapproval over the possible disciplinary action against a military commander, which allegedly led to a reversal of decisions made by the Marine investigative team.
Statements corroborating the existence of this “rage incident” have already been obtained from several high-level figures, including former First Deputy National Security Advisor Kim Tae-hyo, who were present at the presidential security briefing.
If accessible, Yoon’s phone may provide smoking-gun evidence through call logs, text messages, and internal memos, not only regarding potential pressure on the Chae investigation but also the alleged lobbying in favor of former 1st Marine Division Commander Lim Seong-geun.
Yet, unless legal authority or cooperation is secured, the special counsel may face the grim possibility of returning the phone unopened. Legal experts warn that should Yoon’s team file a motion for the return of seized items, and if the court accepts, the probe may lose its most critical piece of evidence.
Nate
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