Special Prosecutor Team Investigates NIS Role in Martial Law Declaration

South Korea's special prosecutor team is investigating allegations that the National Intelligence Service (NIS) provided support for the declaration of martial law on December 3, 2024. The investigation is focusing on former NIS First Deputy Director Hong Jang-won, who is suspected of discussing ways to assist the martial law command.

According to legal sources, the special investigation team has found evidence that Hong participated in departmental meetings shortly after the martial law was proclaimed. During these meetings, held at the NIS headquarters, discussions reportedly included plans for NIS participation in the martial law joint investigation headquarters and the establishment of communication channels between the NIS and the National Police Agency. The team suspects these discussions occurred while police riot squads were deployed to restrict access to the National Assembly building.

Hong Jang-won is already under investigation by the special prosecutor for alleged involvement in treason and other duties related to his actions immediately following the martial law declaration. He is accused of delivering documents to the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) asserting the legitimacy of the martial law. He has been summoned twice previously, on April 22 and June 11, and a third summons is scheduled for June 22 due to the need for further investigation into his activities post-martial law.

The special prosecutor's team is examining Hong's conduct and the NIS's potential role in the events surrounding the martial law declaration. The investigation aims to clarify the extent of the NIS's involvement and whether any support measures were indeed discussed or implemented.