Seoul: The 180-day special counsel investigation into former President Yoon Suk Yeol's martial law case has determined that the declaration on December 3, 2024, was planned long in advance with the intention "to consolidate and maintain power."
According to Yonhap News Agency, the investigation revealed that preparations for martial law began as early as October 2023. Yoon and his core associates aimed to seize the National Assembly through military intervention and replace it with an emergency legislative body while controlling the judiciary to "eliminate" political adversaries. These adversaries were categorized as "anti-state forces" and included Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) lawmakers and former allies like former Justice Minister Han Dong-hoon. Internal memos and testimonies showed that Yoon referred to Han as a "communist" and believed "leftist forces" should be eliminated.
The special counsel clarified that Yoon began planning for martial law before the military reshuffles in late October 2023, contradicting the ex-president's claim that the DPK's legislative actions triggered the declaration. The findings are viewed as troubling against the backdrop of a democracy that has historically overcome military coups through public resilience. With a court ruling expected in January, the motives detailed by the independent counsel raise questions about the misuse of presidential power. Yoon's downfall serves as a warning for public office holders.
Yoon's inability to face differing opinions led him to attempt military control of the country. He often mentioned his "right" to declare martial law, considering it a way to defuse legal risks, especially for his wife, Kim Keon Hee. His pursuit of a "one-shot" martial law declaration reveals a reckless assertion of power, lacking empathy and public responsibility.
The special counsel team processed 215 out of 249 cases related to the insurrection charges, indicting 27 individuals, including most of Yoon's former Cabinet ministers and former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo. Special counsel Cho Eun-seok alleges that Yoon attempted to provoke a security crisis with North Korea by sending drones, but failed to elicit a response. Despite rumors, the former first lady was not involved in the martial law planning; she remains on trial for unrelated charges.
While the special counsel unearthed Yoon's motives, it has not verified claims of attempts to involve North Korea in a security crisis or allegations against Kim. The counsel's tactics faced scrutiny for aggressively requesting detention warrants, with some key requests rejected by the court, including one for the former prime minister.
Rep. Jung Chung-rae of the DPK is requesting a second investigation round. Ongoing investigations into Kim Keon Hee's corruption allegations and criminal trials surrounding the former presidential couple raise questions about the necessity and cost of further probes. Yoon's actions warrant heavy punishment, and the public awaits the court's verdict.