It has been alleged that impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol, currently under investigation for treason, expressed a strong intention to impose martial law during a meeting in late March.
Reports suggest he discussed this with key officials, including Shin Won Sik, then Minister of National Defense (now National Security Advisor); Cho Tae Yong, Director of the National Intelligence Service; and Kim Yong Hyun, Chief of Presidential Security. As these officials would play central roles in implementing martial law, the revelation has sparked suspicions that President Yoon might have considered using such measures to disrupt the general election and neutralize the National Assembly amidst declining support for the ruling party.
According to information compiled by The Hankyoreh on December 22, President Yoon hosted a dinner in late March at the Presidential Guesthouse in Samcheong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul. Attendees included Shin, Cho, Kim, and Yeo In Hyeong, head of the Defense Counterintelligence Command. During the meeting, Yoon reportedly expressed frustration with the political climate, declaring, “We need to impose martial law soon.” Sources claim Shin and Cho strongly opposed the idea, underscoring the seriousness and specificity of Yoon’s intentions.
Similar discussions reportedly took place in December of the previous year, when President Yoon invited Shin, Cho, Kim Myung Soo (Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff), and Kim Yong Hyun to the official residence in Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu. During this earlier meeting, Yoon allegedly mentioned martial law and emergency powers—extraordinary measures the president can enact during a national crisis. At the time, attendees did not perceive the remarks as a concrete plan. However, by March, Yoon’s determination to enforce martial law appeared to have intensified.
When asked by The Hankyoreh about the discussions in December and March, Cho Tae Yong, speaking through the National Intelligence Service, stated: “While I attended these gatherings, which were intended as morale-boosting events, there were no discussions of declaring martial law.”
The special investigation team on martial law, led by Prosecutor General Park Se Hyun, recently questioned Cho in a private session. The inquiry covered a wide range of issues, including alleged discussions of martial law and directives from President Yoon to arrest political figures.
SHARE
