Martial Law Special Prosecutor Requests Cooperation from Democratic Party on 'Obstruction of Lifting Martial Law' Allegations

Request for Investigation Sent to Baek Hyeryun and Others
Kim Yongdae and In Sunghwan Under Investigation in 'Pyongyang Drone Incident'

The special prosecutor team led by Cho Eunseok, which is investigating allegations of insurrection and treason related to martial law, announced on August 14 that it had "requested cooperation from lawmakers of the Democratic Party of Korea regarding the suspected obstruction of the lifting of martial law."

Baek Hyeryun, Chairperson of the National Assembly's Political Affairs Committee, is delivering a congratulatory speech at the '12th Seoul Asia Financial Forum' held on the 25th at the Chosun Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul. Photo by Kang Jinhyung aymsdream@

Special Prosecutor Park Jiyoung stated during a regular briefing that afternoon, "Regardless of party affiliation, we have requested cooperation from those necessary to uncover the truth," adding, "We have made requests to several individuals, including Representative Baek Hyeryun, and are currently discussing the date and manner of cooperation."

The special prosecutor's team is investigating suspicions that, at the time, Chu Kyungho-then floor leader of the People Power Party-and others, at the request of former President Yoon Sukyeol's side, repeatedly changed the location of the party caucus to hinder other lawmakers from participating in the vote to lift martial law. Recently, opposition lawmakers who participated in the vote, such as Cho Kyungtae, Kim Sangwook, and Kim Yeji, have been summoned one after another.

On this day, Representative Chu Kyungho wrote on his Facebook page, "After speaking with the President, we moved the caucus location to the National Assembly and entered together with fellow lawmakers," adding, "If the intention had been to obstruct the vote, we would have remained at the party headquarters instead of changing the location to the National Assembly."

In response, Special Prosecutor Park explained, "They were asked to come to the Budget Committee Room to hold the caucus, not to the main chamber where the vote was taking place," and added, "I think we need to further clarify the facts."

Earlier that morning, starting at 10 a.m., the special prosecutor's team summoned Kim Yongdae, the Drone Operations Commander and a key suspect in the 'Pyongyang drone incident,' for questioning. It has also been reported that In Sunghwan, former second deputy director of the National Security Office, was summoned as a reference witness in connection with the case.

Additionally, Special Prosecutor Park commented on the allegation that former Justice Minister Park Sungjae instructed a review of dispatching prosecutors to the joint investigation team immediately after the declaration of martial law, saying, "The investigation is ongoing," and added, "It will be necessary to look into the background of the instruction and related circumstances."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.