3rd January 2025 – (Seoul) Prosecutors have indicted the Army’s top commander and the head of its special warfare unit for their alleged involvement in the brief declaration of martial law last month.
Army Chief of Staff General Park An-su, who acted as the martial law commander, and Lieutenant General Kwak Jong-keun, head of the Army Special Warfare Command, face charges of insurrection and abuse of power, according to the prosecution.
General Park issued the martial law decree on 3rd December, which investigators claim includes unconstitutional provisions, such as a prohibition on all political activities.
Lieutenant General Kwak is accused of deploying special operations forces to the National Assembly under orders from President Yoon Suk Yeol, with the aim of securing the building and obstructing lawmakers from passing a motion to reject the martial law.
Prosecutors have determined that their actions demonstrate an intent to undermine the Constitution, leading to the insurrection charges. Both officials were arrested last month.
