Seoul: The defense ministry has firmly rejected allegations that its actions, including the suspension of an inter-Korean military pact and the resumption of anti-Pyongyang loudspeaker broadcasts, were intended to provoke North Korea ahead of the imposition of martial law in December.

According to Yonhap News Agency, these suspicions were raised by the opposition and some media outlets, suggesting that the military might have "intentionally" engaged in such activities to incite North Korean provocations in connection with President Yoon Suk Yeol's temporary martial law imposition on December 3. The ministry, however, emphasized its consistent policy of deterring North Korean provocations while maintaining a robust military readiness.

The ministry's statement highlighted concerns over linking normal military activities with the martial law situation, which could lead to security issues and hinder military operations. It also pledged to fully cooperate with investigations into the martial law imposition.

Similarly, the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) refuted claims that it had sent anti-Pyongyang leaflets to incite military provocations during the tenure of former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun. Kim has been indicted as a significant player in President Yoon's unsuccessful martial law attempt.

The JCS also denied allegations of attempting to hide evidence after allegedly flying drones over Pyongyang in October. In June, the presidential National Security Council decided to suspend the 2018 inter-Korean tension reduction pact until mutual trust could be rebuilt, following North Korea's deployment of trash-carrying balloons across the border.

In response, the military resumed anti-Pyongyang propaganda broadcasts, marking the first such loudspeaker broadcasts near the fortified border since January 2016.