Seoul: The defense ministry launched an investigative unit under the Criminal Investigation Command (CIC) on Monday to look into military officials' involvement in former President Yoon Suk Yeol's botched martial law bid in late 2024. The unit aims to scrutinize the circumstances surrounding the failed attempt and the roles of various military personnel.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the investigative unit was launched with around 30 officials, including investigative personnel from each military branch, with the purpose of delving into allegations that a special counsel team and other authorities have not verified in connection to Yoon's martial law bid. This initiative reflects an effort to uncover details that may have been overlooked or inadequately addressed by previous investigations.
The establishment of this unit follows a revision to the Military Court Act that mandates the transfer of authority to investigate alleged insurrection and treason from the counterintelligence command to the military police. This legislative change underscores a shift in how military-related investigations are conducted, potentially affecting how similar cases are handled in the future.
The Defense Counterintelligence Command is suspected of having played a key role in Yoon's short-lived martial law imposition in December 2024. Its former commander is currently standing trial, accused of deploying troops to strategic locations such as the National Assembly and the National Election Commission on the night of the martial law attempt. This trial is part of broader efforts to hold accountable those responsible for the controversial and unlawful military actions.