Defense Counterintelligence Command Allegedly Practiced Martial Law Scenarios

The Hankyoreh reports on disturbing revelations concerning the Defense Counterintelligence Command (DCC), suggesting a disturbing preparedness for martial law. According to the report, former DCC commander Yeo instructed his subordinates in early 2024 to develop concrete operational plans and combat formations, likening the lack of such plans to missing 'Lego blocks.' This directive came despite the DCC's previous plans for martial law being vague, merely stating that an investigation unit would be dispatched.

“

The DCC lacks concrete operational plans, making it unclear who would be deployed to the field if a situation arises.

The DCC subsequently produced reports detailing the formation of a joint investigation headquarters, response drills, and a preliminary combat formation plan for martial law. These plans were then put into practice during the March 2024 joint US-South Korea military exercise, 'Freedom Shield.' During this exercise, DCC units reportedly practiced their roles within a simulated martial law scenario, including investigation, arrest, and escort missions, under the direct observation of former commander Yeo. This detailed preparation raises serious questions about the DCC's intentions and its role in potential future crises.

This development is particularly alarming given the DCC's primary mission, which historically involved supporting security checks and identifying lapses in the management of military secrets during training, rather than preparing for martial law. The DCC's involvement in such drills is considered highly unusual by those within the command. The special prosecutor's team is currently investigating these activities, suspecting that the DCC began preparing for martial law shortly after Yeo's appointment in November 2023. The investigation aims to pinpoint the exact timeline of these preparations, underscoring the gravity of the situation and the potential implications for South Korean democracy and military oversight.

“

It is important for the joint investigation headquarters to practice teamwork in advance if martial law occurs.

This story is uniquely concerning from a South Korean perspective because it touches upon the military's potential involvement in domestic political affairs, a sensitive issue given the country's history. While Western media might focus on the international military cooperation aspect of the 'Freedom Shield' exercise, the Hankyoreh's report highlights a deeply troubling internal development within South Korea's own intelligence apparatus. The potential for a military intelligence agency to prepare for martial law, especially under the direction of its former commander, is a matter of significant national concern that goes beyond typical military readiness discussions.

“

We have confirmed circumstances suggesting the DCC was preparing for martial law from the first half of 2024.