Is South Korea's Defence Ministry Set to Unveil an Investigative Unit for Martial Law Inquiry Next Week?
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Synopsis
The South Korean Defence Ministry is set to launch a special investigative unit next week to probe allegations concerning former President Yoon Suk Yeol's failed martial law attempt. The 40-member team aims to address serious accusations and follow up on prior investigations, marking a significant step in transparency and accountability.
Key Takeaways
- Launch of a special investigative unit by South Korea's Defence Ministry.
- Focus on allegations against former President Yoon Suk Yeol regarding martial law.
- 40-member team led by a senior prosecutor will begin its work on Monday.
- Former military officials dismissed amid the investigation.
- Transparency and accountability are key themes in this ongoing inquiry.
Seoul, Dec 11 (NationPress) The Defence Ministry of South Korea announced on Thursday that it will initiate a special investigative unit next week to examine allegations related to the unsuccessful martial law attempt by former President Yoon Suk Yeol.
The 40-member team will commence its work on Monday, led by the acting head of the ministry's prosecution office, as stated by the ministry.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the ministry remarked, "Following the findings from the audit office's investigation and the special counsel team's work, necessary follow-up inquiries will be undertaken."
This initiative comes as the special counsel team, led by Cho Eun-suk, which has been investigating charges of insurrection and treason related to the martial law declaration on December 3 last year, is set to conclude its mandate on Sunday.
There are allegations against the military's drone command for sending drones over Pyongyang during Yoon's administration, seemingly to provoke the North and create a justification for the martial law imposition. Additionally, a military propaganda unit is suspected of covertly dispatching anti-Pyongyang leaflets into North Korea for similar motives.
On Wednesday, the ministry officially removed the former head of the Drone Operations Command from his position.
The Defence Ministry has terminated the head of the military's drone command amid a special counsel investigation into former President Yoon Suk Yeol's unsuccessful martial law attempt.
Kim Yong-dae, the former head of the Drone Operations Command, is accused of involvement in sending drones over Pyongyang during Yoon's presidency, allegedly to provoke the North and use it as a rationale for martial law on December 3 last year.
He was indicted last month without detention on charges of obstructing official duties and requesting the creation of false official documents, alongside Yoon who faces accusations related to the drone incidents.
Additionally, the ministry stated it has also dismissed Kim Dong-hyuk, the former chief of the defence ministry's prosecution office, as of Tuesday.
Kim has been indicted by a special counsel team over his role in a cover-up related to the 2023 death of a young Marine.
Point of View
I believe this investigative initiative is crucial for restoring public trust and ensuring accountability in government actions. The allegations surrounding former President Yoon Suk Yeol's attempt to impose martial law are serious and merit thorough examination. Transparency in these proceedings is essential for the health of our democracy.
NationPress
13/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the new investigative unit?
The investigative unit aims to examine allegations regarding former President Yoon Suk Yeol's failed martial law attempt, ensuring accountability and transparency.
Who will lead the investigative team?
The team will be led by the acting chief of the ministry's prosecution office.
What are the main allegations being investigated?
The main allegations involve insurrection and treason related to the martial law declaration and actions taken by military units during Yoon's presidency.
When will the investigative unit start its work?
The unit is set to commence its operations on Monday.
What actions have been taken against military officials?
The ministry has dismissed the head of the Drone Operations Command and the former chief of the ministry's prosecution office amid ongoing investigations.
