A government investigation revealed extensive involvement of various central administrative agencies, including military and police, in unlawful martial law preparation and actions.
A recent report by the Constitutional Respect Government Innovation Task Force has brought to light the disturbing involvement of multiple central administrative agencies in the preparation and execution of illegal martial law in South Korea. The investigation detailed that officials from the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, among others, were acting under directives that facilitated the breakdown of democratic norms during the martial law declaration on December 3rd, 2024. Specifically, correctional departments were instructed to assess detention facility capacity, while personnel from the Coast Guard reported unauthorized cooperation regarding arms distribution and detention center operations.
The findings indicate that the National Security Office at the Presidential Office exerted pressure on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to justify the martial law to other countries, and directives were issued to major media houses like Hankyoreh and Kyunghyang to implement power and water shutoffs. This cascade of directives from various government arms was characterized by overreach beyond their jurisdiction, marking a significant erosion of democratic governance capacities. The report cites that out of 40 agencies investigated, the military distinctly bore the largest share of accountability with nearly all special investigations directed at it for direct involvement in the coup-like actions taken on that day.
The Defence Ministry revealed it has identified around 180 military personnel involved in these actions and has initiated investigations and disciplinary measures against them. Meanwhile, a police department conducted inquiries that resulted in disciplinary actions against 22 officers, many of whom were implicated in obstructing the legislature and managing electoral processes during the crisis. This ongoing scrutiny of military and police conduct highlights a broader societal concern regarding the implications of such governance failures and the integrity of South Korea's institutions during a politically turbulent period.
