Seoul: About 180 military personnel have been identified as involved in former President Yoon Suk Yeol's brief martial law attempt in late 2024, according to Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back. The ministry plans to investigate further and take necessary disciplinary action.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Ahn disclosed these findings while announcing the results of a months-long investigation by the ministry's task force. The probe examined approximately 860 general-level and field-grade officers from 24 military commands and units for their alleged involvement in the December 2024 martial law imposition.
Over 100 personnel from the ministry, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and various military branches participated in the investigation. The aim was to determine the extent of involvement, decision-making authority, and roles played by these officers in the martial law bid, as stated by the ministry.
The investigation uncovered that around 1,600 personnel from the Army, counterintelligence command, special operations command, and Defense Intelligence Command were mobilized on the night of the martial law imposition. More than half were dispatched to the National Assembly, while the rest were sent to the National Election Commission.
In a new development, the ministry announced the suspension of Ground Operations Commander Gen. Joo Sung-un due to suspicions of involvement in the martial law imposition. Joo, who was the chief of the Army 1st Corps at the time, was allegedly involved as the commander of the 2nd Armored Brigade.
Ahn mentioned during a press briefing that he could not provide further details on the allegations surrounding Joo as the investigation is ongoing. The ministry confirmed that the Defense Intelligence Command had plotted in advance to take over the state-run election watchdog, while the defense counterintelligence command and the ministry's investigative headquarters sought to detain key politicians.
So far, 35 people have faced heavy disciplinary measures, including removals and dismissals of senior military officers. Among them, 29 have appealed their cases. Additionally, three general-level and five colonel-level officers have been indicted for their roles in the failed martial law bid.
Ahn emphasized the ministry's commitment to restoring the military's honor and rebuilding it for the people. The ministry also plans to conduct follow-up investigations into allegations involving the defense counterintelligence and intelligence commands, which have been restricted due to their confidential roles.