The prosecution has sought prison terms for three former officials from the administration of former President Moon Jae-in, alleging their involvement in leaking intelligence concerning the THAAD U.S. missile defense system.
According to Yonhap News Agency, prosecutors have requested 10-month prison sentences for Chung Eui-yong, former national security adviser, and Jeong Kyeong-doo, former defense minister. Both are facing charges of power abuse in a trial at the Seoul Central District Court. Additionally, a two-year prison term has been sought for Suh Choo-suk, former first deputy national security adviser.
Chung and Jeong stand accused of ordering the disclosure of operations related to the replacement of THAAD battery missiles and radar equipment in Seongju to activists who opposed South Korea's hosting of the system. These alleged orders were given in May 2020. Suh is accused of instructing a defense ministry official on eight occasions between 2018 and 2021 to inform activists in advance of operations involving THAAD-related equipment and construction materials.
The three officials were indicted in April last year following suspicions raised by the state auditor regarding the potential leak of information, possibly intended to delay the full deployment of THAAD. The decision to host the U.S. missile defense system was initially made by the previous Park Geun-hye administration in 2016 to counter North Korea's advancing nuclear and missile threats.
This case has gained renewed attention as it is among those to be reviewed under a special counsel bill recently passed. The bill aims to investigate allegations that the prosecution under former President Yoon Suk Yeol fabricated evidence or induced false testimonies to build cases.