Special prosecutor questions ex-security advisor over 'martial law justification' messages

A special prosecutor team investigating remaining cases from three separate probes has summoned Shin Won-sik, former Senior Secretary to the President for National Security, for questioning. Shin is being investigated as a suspect in connection with allegations of sending messages to justify martial law.

Upon arriving at the special prosecutor's office in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province, on June 10, Shin did not respond to reporters' questions about whether he admits to the charges or if he received instructions from former President Yoon Suk Yeol. The special prosecutor's team suspects that Shin, along with former Deputy Senior Secretary Kim Tae-hyo, colluded to send messages to allied nations, including the United States, to legitimize the declaration of martial law shortly after its imposition.

Investigators believe these messages conveyed that the measure was taken to protect liberal democracy and counter perceived threats from pro-North Korean leftists and anti-American sentiments. The prosecution is also examining whether the messages explained that martial law was a response to the paralysis of the executive branch due to parliamentary impeachment proceedings and budget cuts. Former President Yoon Suk Yeol was questioned on June 6 as a suspect in a related abuse of power case, reportedly denying that he issued specific directives regarding the transmission of these justification messages abroad.

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I have not given specific instructions to the National Security Office.