The martial law probe into former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s brief declaration has entered a critical phase. Authorities arrested former National Intelligence Service Director Cho Tae-yong on Wednesday, marking a turning point for Special Counsel Cho Eun-suk’s investigation. The inquiry will end in mid-December.
The Seoul Central District Court issued the arrest warrant early Wednesday, citing fears that Cho could destroy evidence. Prosecutors charged him with dereliction of duty, falsifying official records, perjury, and violating the NIS Act’s political neutrality clause. They claimed he ignored his duty to report Yoon’s martial law plans to the National Assembly and failed to alert lawmakers about troop movements targeting opposition leaders.
Later that day, investigators also detained former Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn. He faces charges of inciting insurrection after posting a Facebook message supporting martial law on December 3. These arrests have revived the special counsel’s efforts, which had slowed after courts rejected warrants for other key suspects.
Cho is a longtime member of Yoon’s inner circle. He previously served as national security adviser and ambassador to the United States. His arrest now raises serious questions about the political role of South Korea’s intelligence community.
The martial law probe has already led to indictments of Yoon and several former defense officials. They allegedly used drone missions to North Korea to justify declaring martial law. Prosecutors plan to focus their final month on the insurrection charges before the case closes on December 14.
Cho’s detention highlights a troubling pattern in South Korea’s spy agency. He is the eighth NIS director arrested since the agency was restructured in 1999. Every intelligence chief since the Lee Myung-bak administration has faced criminal investigation for corruption or political interference.
Analysts say Cho’s arrest could either strengthen public trust in the martial law probe or deepen national division. As the investigation nears its deadline, it has become a key test of how South Korea balances justice, politics, and national security.
