The second special investigation team, led by Special Prosecutor Kwon Chang-young, has summoned Kim Tae-hyo, the former first deputy of the National Security Office, for further questioning regarding allegations of foreign exchange misconduct involving the Military Intelligence Command. The investigation is focused on whether the command conducted infiltration training using agents from the Special Operations Unit (HID) to create a justification for declaring emergency martial law, and whether the National Security Office was involved in this process.
According to legal sources on June 18, the special prosecutors questioned Kim in the afternoon as a witness. This marks Kim's third appearance for questioning. Previously, he was interrogated twice as a suspect for allegedly sending messages to allied nations, including the United States, to justify the martial law shortly after its declaration on December 3.
The investigation is examining evidence that the Military Intelligence Command conducted infiltration training involving HID agents from March to November 2024. Reports indicate that the training utilized submarines and powered paragliding (PG). The special prosecutors believe this training may not be typical military exercises and are investigating whether it was a preparatory step to secure a rationale for declaring emergency martial law.
The special prosecutors are also looking into whether Kim was aware of or involved in the training process, as he is suspected of having visited the HID during 2023 to verify training details. His visit as the first deputy of the National Security Office, which primarily handles diplomatic matters, has raised eyebrows.
Additionally, the investigation includes allegations that Military Intelligence Command agents met with officials from the North Korean embassy in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, about ten days before the declaration of emergency martial law to discuss the so-called 'North Wind Operation.' Although a previous insurrection special investigation team looked into these allegations, they did not uncover specific evidence of foreign exchange misconduct and concluded their investigation.
In April, the special prosecutors visited the Military Intelligence Command to obtain necessary materials voluntarily. On June 13, they reportedly questioned former President Yoon Suk Yeol regarding allegations related to the command. The special prosecutors are considering the possibility of applying foreign exchange charges for actions that undermine national security through foreign entities.
Separately, Kim is under investigation for his role in delivering messages justifying martial law, having been charged with significant duties related to insurrection. He is accused, along with Shin Won-sik, the former head of the National Security Office, of conveying messages through foreign ministry officials to allied nations, asserting that the measures taken were to protect liberal democracy.
The special prosecutors are also reportedly reviewing whether to request arrest warrants for Kim and Shin, as they simultaneously investigate the foreign exchange allegations and the martial law justification messages, aiming to clarify the role of the National Security Office before and after the declaration of emergency martial law.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.