Seoul, Feb 12 (IANS) South Korea’s defence ministry has identified around 180 military personnel as having been involved in former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s short-lived martial law bid in late 2024 and plans to take measures against them, including disciplinary actions, officials said on Thursday.
The ministry released the figure following a month-long investigation into about 860 officers from 24 military commands and units alleged to have been involved in the martial law imposition in December 2024.
More than 100 personnel from the ministry, the Joint Chiefs of Staff and different military branches took part in the probe aimed at determining the extent of their involvement, whether they had decision-making authority and what roles they played in the martial law bid, according to the ministry.
Through the investigation, the ministry said it has confirmed circumstances over the defence intelligence command plotting in advance to take over the state-run election watchdog, and the defence counterintelligence command and the ministry’s investigative headquarters seeking to detain key politicians.
Alongside disciplinary measures imposed by the ministry, three general-level and five colonel-level officers have been indicted over playing key roles in the botched martial law bid, reports Yonhap news agency, quoting the Defence Ministry.
“Following the announcement, we will firmly strive to rid the dishonour that has tainted the military and rebuild a military for the people,” Defence Minister Ahn Gyu-back said.
The ministry said it plans to conduct follow-up probes into allegations involving the defence counterintelligence and intelligence commands that had been restricted due to their confidential roles.
–IANS
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