Former NIS Deputy Director Hong Jang-won summoned again for questioning over martial law justification allegations

Former National Intelligence Service (NIS) Deputy Director Hong Jang-won has been summoned for a second round of questioning by a special prosecutor team investigating alleged involvement in delivering a message to justify martial law. This marks his second appearance before the investigators, 20 days after his initial interrogation last month.

Hong's legal team has reiterated his denial of any role in conveying a message to the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) in South Korea that would legitimize the imposition of martial law. The second special prosecutor team, led by Prosecutor Kwon Chang-young, is investigating Hong on charges of participating in sedition and violating the National Intelligence Service Act.

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I will faithfully cooperate with the special prosecutor's investigation.

Appearing before the press briefly at the special prosecutor's office in Gwacheon on Tuesday morning, Hong stated, "I will faithfully cooperate with the special prosecutor's investigation." When asked about his defense, he added, "I have many things I want to say, and I will explain them well inside the interrogation room."

The investigation centers on Hong's actions and alleged communications during the period leading up to the lifting of martial law. The special prosecutor's team is seeking to clarify his role and the nature of any messages he may have transmitted, particularly concerning the alleged communication with the CIA.

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I have many things I want to say, and I will explain them well inside the interrogation room.