Seoul: Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back on Wednesday called for a powerful reform of defense intelligence and investigative arms amid efforts to rebuild the military in the aftermath of the botched martial law bid in late 2024. Ahn made the call as he attended a policy briefing session by the Defense Intelligence Command (DIC), the Defense Counterintelligence Command (DCC), and the Criminal Investigation Command (CIC), according to the ministry.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Ahn stressed the importance of fundamental reform to restore trust in the military's intelligence and investigative bodies. He particularly urged the counterintelligence command to "completely sever itself from the past," emphasizing the need for a clean break from previous practices. The command is suspected of having played a pivotal role in former President Yoon Suk Yeol's short-lived imposition of martial law in late 2024. Its former commander is currently on trial for allegedly deploying troops to key governmental locations, including the National Assembly and the National Election Commission, on the night of the martial law decree on December 3, 2024. The command is also under scrutiny for reportedly organizing the detention of around 10 key politicians, including leaders of the ruling and main opposition parties, as well as the National Assembly speaker.

Ahn further highlighted the necessity for the DIC to implement measures that would prevent the organization from being exploited as a "political tool" or from misusing its intelligence capabilities. Earlier this month, a special advisory committee tasked with proposing a reform blueprint for the military recommended the disbandment of the counterintelligence command, which would mark its dissolution after 49 years once completed.

Meanwhile, Ahn directed Brig. Gen. Park Jung-hun, acting director of the CIC, to conduct a thorough investigation into allegations surrounding drone incursion claims made by North Korea. A joint military-police investigation was launched last week following North Korea's accusations that South Korea infringed on its sovereignty with drone incursions in September and on January 4. South Korea's military has refuted these claims, stating that it does not operate the drone models in question.