The martial law investigation has widened to include a secret military mission in Mongolia tied to political controversy. Special counsel officials believe the mission may have supported former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s alleged plan to impose martial law. They suspect this operation sought to provoke North Korea or establish backdoor communication as a pretext for emergency measures. This new focus adds significant weight to ongoing probes into military activities.
Two Defense Intelligence officers reportedly traveled to Ulaanbaatar to contact North Korean officials using Mongolian intermediaries. Investigators believe this effort was part of a broader strategy to create a fabricated security crisis. Mongolian authorities detained the officers during the mission. Later, Major Gen. Moon Sang-ho visited Mongolia to secure their release. These events continue to raise questions about the military’s role in political affairs.
Assistant special counsel Park Ji-young emphasized the investigation’s urgency during a press briefing. She stated that failing to pursue these allegations would represent a clear dereliction of duty. Officials remain determined to uncover whether military leaders planned operations designed to destabilize national security. Such findings could lead to serious charges.
The martial law investigation also focuses on former KDIC chief Noh Sang-won. Investigators found a notebook in his possession containing phrases like “induce the North’s attack at NLL” and “waste balloons.” These notes suggest that certain military leaders may have plotted to stage incidents near the Northern Limit Line. This evidence points toward efforts to manufacture a crisis supporting martial law.
Meanwhile, former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun faces scrutiny for drone missions reportedly launched near North Korea. Testimony reveals Kim personally ordered unmanned aircraft flights carrying propaganda materials. Lt. Gen. Lee Seung-oh confirmed that Kim instructed drone teams to redirect their paths to areas like Nampo and the Northern Limit Line’s vicinity. Such actions appear designed to trigger a hostile response from Pyongyang.
The special counsel also sought an arrest warrant for Drone Operations Commander Lt. Gen. Kim Yong-dae. He allegedly falsified documents to conceal the drone operations from oversight. However, the court denied the warrant, citing insufficient evidence for detention. Prosecutors plan to review the ruling and may submit a new request. This legal battle underscores tensions between civilian oversight and military secrecy.
Officials warned that proven involvement in such schemes could result in treason charges. Under national law, treason includes attempts to provoke conflict or collude with foreign powers to threaten state stability. However, these potential charges highlight the seriousness of the martial law investigation.
The Ministry of National Defense has not released an official statement. Previously, ministry officials denied any links between the Mongolia mission and martial law preparations. As the probe continues, public pressure grows for transparency regarding military activities tied to political objectives.
This martial law investigation sheds light on potential abuses of power within the armed forces. Nevertheless, It underscores the need for strong safeguards to prevent political manipulation of national security operations.
