Seoul: South Korea's military counterintelligence command will be dismantled over its alleged involvement in former President Yoon Suk Yeol's unsuccessful martial law bid in 2024, the defense ministry announced. This marks the end of the Defense Counterintelligence Command (DCC) after 49 years of operation.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the Defense Counterintelligence Command will be disbanded, and its core functions will be redistributed among new and existing organizations. This decision aims to address concerns over the command's extensive authority. The command is suspected of playing a significant role in Yoon's failed martial law declaration on December 3, 2024.
As part of the restructuring, a new Defense Counterintelligence Headquarters will be established under the defense ministry to assume the command's primary responsibilities, including anti-espionage, defense industry intelligence, counterterrorism, and cybersecurity. Additionally, activities such as running background checks and gathering personnel intelligence will be abolished, as these have been seen as contributing to the command's political influence.
A new entity, tentatively named the Agency for Defense Security Support, will be created to manage military security functions, including security inspections and investigations at larger military formations. The authority to conduct national security-related investigations will be transferred to the ministry's existing investigation headquarters.
Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back emphasized that this reform will enhance checks and balances and ensure "democratic control" of military counterintelligence and other sensitive operations. Ahn stated that the restructuring will prevent future political interference by the military's intelligence agency.
With the disbandment, about one-third of the DCC personnel are expected to return to their original military services. The ministry plans to complete the reorganization by the end of July or early August.
The DCC, established in 1977, has faced criticism for its excessive power and has undergone several reform efforts in the past. The controversy surrounding its alleged role in the martial law bid has intensified calls for change.
Former DCC Commander Yeo In-hyeong is currently detained and on trial for allegedly attempting to arrest opposition lawmakers during the martial law attempt, including then Democratic Party leader and current President Lee Jae Myung. The command is also accused of sending drones to North Korea shortly before the martial law bid to justify the emergency measure.
A special public-private advisory committee was formed to recommend DCC reforms, and the measures announced by Ahn align with the committee's suggestions.