Korea Midland Power's 'Martial Law Manual' Sparks Growing Controversy... Climate Ministry Launches Audit

Full Investigation of Martial Law Cooperation Among Public Institutions Under the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment

Korea Midland Power has come under scrutiny after it was revealed that the company drafted an internal document resembling a "martial law response manual" following the declaration of martial law by former President Yoon Suk-yeol. In response, the government has immediately launched an audit.

The Ministry of Climate, Energy, and Environment announced on May 13 that it has begun an audit regarding the drafting of Korea Midland Power's "martial law manual." The audit will cover: ▲ the circumstances under which the emergency response plan was established following the declaration of martial law ▲ whether there were any undue instructions from higher authorities ▲ the seriousness and significance of the revisions made to the document.

It is known that Korea Midland Power prepared an internal document titled "Emergency Response Plan in the Event of Martial Law Declaration" on December 10 of last year. This timing was after the 12·3 martial law declaration and three days after the National Assembly's first impeachment motion was voted down.

The document reportedly included procedures for operating response systems according to the guidelines of the Martial Law Command, the formation of an emergency response team, the management of essential personnel, and measures for facility protection. Korea Midland Power explained that, as an operator of national core power infrastructure such as power plants and electrical facilities, the manual was intended to outline emergency protocols for crisis situations.

Korea Midland Power stated, "Given the nature of our role as an operator of national infrastructure, we reviewed internal response procedures to prepare for emergencies," adding, "There was absolutely no political intent or intention to support martial law."

Despite this explanation, controversy persists among political circles and civil society over the appropriateness of drafting an internal response document based on a martial law scenario at a time of political upheaval. In particular, criticism is mounting over whether it was appropriate for a state-owned enterprise to prepare contingency measures in anticipation of martial law.

Kim Seong-hwan, Minister of Climate, Energy, and Environment, stated, "This incident was not uncovered during the activities of the Government Innovation Task Force for Constitutional Respect, which concluded in February. The ministry will swiftly conduct an audit to investigate the facts," adding, "We will also thoroughly examine whether other public institutions under the ministry engaged in any cooperation or document preparation related to martial law."