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South Korea Identifies 180 Military Personnel in Yoon's Failed Martial Law Plot

South Korea's defence ministry has concluded an investigation into a failed martial law bid from late 2024, identifying approximately 180 military personnel for involvement. The probe revealed advanced plotting by defence intelligence to seize the state election watchdog and plans to detain key politicians. Disciplinary actions are planned, and eight high-ranking officers have already been indicted for their key roles. Defence Minister Ahn Gyu-back vowed to cleanse the military's dishonor and rebuild public trust through the process.

Key Points: 180 S. Korean Military Personnel in Yoon Martial Law Bid Face Action

  • 180 personnel identified in martial law plot
  • Month-long probe covered 860 officers
  • Plot included plans to take over election watchdog
  • Eight senior officers already indicted
  • Follow-up probes into intelligence commands planned
2 min read

South Korea: 180 military personnel identified as involved in Yoon's martial law bid

South Korea's defence ministry identifies 180 personnel involved in former President Yoon Suk Yeol's 2024 martial law bid, with disciplinary actions planned.

"Following the announcement, we will firmly strive to rid the dishonour that has tainted the military and rebuild a military for the people. - Defence Minister Ahn Gyu-back"

Seoul, Feb 12

South Korea's defence ministry has identified around 180 military personnel as having been involved in former President Yoon Suk Yeol's short-lived martial law bid in late 2024 and plans to take measures against them, including disciplinary actions, officials said on Thursday.

The ministry released the figure following a month-long investigation into about 860 officers from 24 military commands and units alleged to have been involved in the martial law imposition in December 2024.

More than 100 personnel from the ministry, the Joint Chiefs of Staff and different military branches took part in the probe aimed at determining the extent of their involvement, whether they had decision-making authority and what roles they played in the martial law bid, according to the ministry.

Through the investigation, the ministry said it has confirmed circumstances over the defence intelligence command plotting in advance to take over the state-run election watchdog, and the defence counterintelligence command and the ministry's investigative headquarters seeking to detain key politicians.

Alongside disciplinary measures imposed by the ministry, three general-level and five colonel-level officers have been indicted over playing key roles in the botched martial law bid, reports Yonhap news agency, quoting the Defence Ministry.

"Following the announcement, we will firmly strive to rid the dishonour that has tainted the military and rebuild a military for the people," Defence Minister Ahn Gyu-back said.

The ministry said it plans to conduct follow-up probes into allegations involving the defence counterintelligence and intelligence commands that had been restricted due to their confidential roles.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Wow, 180 personnel involved! It shows the plot was quite deep. Good that they are taking action. Makes you appreciate our own system where such a thing is almost unthinkable. The military serves the nation, not any one leader.
R
Rohit P
"Military for the people" – that's the key phrase from their Defence Minister. Our armed forces have always lived by that principle. Salute to the South Korean investigators for rooting this out. A timely lesson for all democracies.
S
Sarah B
While the action is commendable, one has to ask what political environment led to this? The article mentions the bid was in late 2024. Were tensions so high? Hope the follow-up probes are transparent.
V
Vikram M
Planning to detain key politicians and take over an election watchdog? That's a direct attack on democracy itself. Hats off to the 100+ personnel who conducted the probe. This is why strong, independent institutions matter. Jai Hind!
K
Karthik V
Only disciplinary actions for most? The generals and colonels being indicted is good, but others involved in plotting to overthrow constitutional order should face the full force of the law. A bit too lenient, if you ask me.

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