A whistleblower who alleged illegal activities by the military during the emergency martial law period on December 3 is now under investigation for leaking military secrets.
According to reports from Aju Economy on July 20, Kim Hyun-seok, who reported that some units did not utilize the satellite-based command and control system (PRE-Positioning Report Equipment) during the martial law, faced his first interrogation at the National Investigation Agency this morning on charges of leaking military secrets. He had previously been subjected to a search warrant related to these allegations on July 3.
Kim, who has developed military communication systems for 27 years, detected that command communication equipment was not operational in some units on the day of the emergency martial law. He claims that normally, units would activate the satellite PRE during deployment and standby processes to monitor troop movements, but this was not done.
Kim Hyun-seok stated in a phone interview with Aju Economy, "It is unusual for the satellite PRE not to be used." He added, "During the emergency martial law, the higher command provided a list of items that should be carried, excluding legitimate command and control equipment." Previous reports from Aju Economy also indicated that former allied commanders and military officials at the corps level shared similar views, describing the situation as 'unusual.'
He believes that this evidence is crucial in revealing the illegality of the emergency martial law. Consequently, he submitted materials to several members of the National Assembly and reported the information to the insurrection special investigation team led by Special Prosecutor Cho Eun-seok. However, this information was transferred to the National Investigation Agency after the special investigation's deadline expired in December of last year.
Kim claims that the National Investigation Agency is not examining his whistleblower report but is instead investigating him for leaking military secrets. He expressed that the issue he raised in the public interest has now turned into an investigation against him. He remarked, "It seems that the National Investigation Agency received my report containing unit information and judged it as a disclosure of military secrets to the outside."
After appearing at the National Investigation Agency, Kim issued a statement emphasizing, "Even if there are some military secrets, I believe that the evidence related to serious crimes against the state and the public, as well as the disruption of constitutional order by former President Yoon Suk Yeol, is significant enough to warrant a report to national agencies."
He further stated, "I reported this believing it was justified, but it is unfair that I am now facing a search and investigation as a suspect. I express my deep regret to the investigative agencies and the government."
On the same day, Kim plans to submit related materials to the second comprehensive special investigation team (led by Special Prosecutor Kwon Chang-young) continuing the investigation after the insurrection special investigation. He also intends to hold a press conference with the civic group Participation Solidarity to urge the special investigation.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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