Seoul: A special counsel team has raided the home and office of a former senior presidential security aide over his alleged role in former President Yoon Suk Yeol's martial law bid, legal sources said Thursday. Former Principal Deputy National Security Adviser Kim Tae-hyo is accused of playing a role in an insurrection for allegedly calling foreign diplomatic officials, including then U.S. Ambassador Philip Goldberg, on Dec. 3, 2024.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the special counsel team investigating uncovered suspicions surrounding Yoon's martial law attempt sent investigators to Kim's residence and office on Wednesday to carry out a search-and-seizure warrant. The investigations are centered on uncovering the extent of Kim's alleged involvement in the martial law declaration and its subsequent justification.

In January last year, then Rep. Chung Dong-young of the Democratic Party, who is now the unification minister, accused Kim of allegedly calling Goldberg immediately after the declaration to justify the decree. These accusations have raised significant concerns about the potential misuse of power and the implications for international diplomatic relations.

Kim has acknowledged receiving a call from Goldberg about an hour after Yoon's declaration but has denied the allegations. He maintains that he did not initiate any calls to justify the martial law decree, countering the claims made against him. The ongoing investigation by the special counsel team will aim to determine the veracity of these allegations and the extent of Kim's involvement.