The South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced plans to seek disciplinary action against three diplomats involved in the December 3 martial law incident, linking them to a directive from the National Security Office to justify the declaration.
The South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs has revealed intentions to impose disciplinary measures and potentially investigate three diplomats connected to the controversial martial law declared on December 3. This announcement was made during a press briefing by spokesperson Park Il, who detailed the outcomes of a government innovation task force focused on constitutional respect. Among the actions, two cases will undergo investigation while one has been already processed, highlighting ongoing accountability within the diplomatic community.
Park Il indicated that one of the disciplinary actions is categorized as a serious infraction, while others are considered lesser offenses related to the diplomats' responses to directives from the National Security Office. Notably, the National Security Office under President Yoon Suk-yeol had allegedly pressured the Ministry to disseminate messages aimed at justifying the martial law declaration to foreign nations, raising serious questions about governmental integrity and the rule of law in South Korea.
Choi Chang-ryeol, the Director of the Office for Government Coordination, further elaborated on the findings from the task force's investigations, revealing instances where officials followed orders selectively, delayed, or outright refused to comply with the instructions from the National Security Office. This situation underscores the tension within government ranks regarding adherence to constitutional values and the potential fallout of misusing power during politically sensitive times.
