ED Martial law to consolidate power?
Special counsel Cho Eun-seok, who led the investigation of the martial law case against former President Yoon Suk Yeol, makes public its results at the Seoul High Prosecutors' Office in Seocho-dong, Seoul, Monday. Yonhap
Yoon deserves harsh punishment for attack on country and people
The 180-day special counsel investigation of former President Yoon Suk Yeol's martial law case has determined that the declaration on Dec. 3, 2024, was planned long in advance, with an aim "to consolidate and maintain power."
The preparations for martial law began as early as October 2023, the investigation revealed. Yoon and his core associates planned to seize the National Assembly through military intervention and replace it with an emergency legislative body while also holding the reins over the judiciary to "eliminate" political opponents. Their foes were to be categorized as "anti-state forces," and included not only Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) lawmakers but former allies such as former Justice Minister Han Dong-hoon. Internal memos and notes seized and individual testimonies by the independent counsel showed that Yoon had referred to Han as a "communist," and that he felt so-called "leftist forces" should be eliminated.
The special counsel clarified that Yoon began planning for martial law before the military reshuffles in late October 2023, rebuffing the disgraced ex-president's claim that the DPK's aggressive legislative salvos had triggered the declaration.
Viewed against the backdrop of a democracy that rests on the bloody history of military coups d'état that were eventually overcome by the public, the special counsel team's findings are troubling and immeasurably saddening. With related court ruling expected in January, it is now time for the courts. Yet, Yoon's motives detailed from the independent counsel probe provoke stirring questions about how a person of such standing could regard constitutionally provisioned presidential power as a personal tool, not as a crucial part of the institution of democracy. Yoon's downfall should serve as a grave warning for those who hold public office.
In his inability to face different opinions and find compromise, or to see beyond himself, Yoon resorted to attempting to take military control of the country. The special counsel said that Yoon had often mentioned his "right" to declare martial law, even shortly after taking office. He also considered that it would defuse legal risks especially for his wife, Kim Keon Hee.
Yoon's pursuit of a "one-shot" martial law declaration, seemingly oblivious to the Korean public's welfare, must be recognized at face value a reckless assertion of power, untempered by empathy or public responsibility.
The special counsel team took on 249 cases related to the insurrection charges and processed 215. Of those, 27 have been indicted including most of Yoon's former Cabinet ministers, including former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo. Special counsel Cho Eun-seok, who led the investigation, alleges that Yoon also attempted to provoke a security crisis with North Korea by sending drones to the North, but failed to generate a response from Pyongyang. Cho said that despite rumors, the former first lady was not involved in the planning of the Dec. 3 martial law; she remains on trial for unrelated charges.
The special counsel has produced some tangible outcomes, in particular unearthing the motives behind Yoon's martial law declaration. But it has not quite verified its claims of Yoon's attempt to draw North Korea into a security crisis or the allegations surrounding Kim's involvement. Its tactics were questioned due to its aggressive attempt to request detention warrants for just about everyone questioned. The court rejected some key detention warrant requests, including one for the former prime minister, sending a message to the special counsel.
Already, Rep. Jung Chung-rae, leader of the DPK, is requesting a second round of investigations. The investigation regarding Kim Keon Hee's corruption allegations is ongoing, as well as criminal trials surrounding the former presidential couple. A second round of independent counsel probes begs the question of necessity — and of having to pour in another round of taxpayer money and investigative energy.
Yoon deserves heavy punishment for his seemingly heinous criminal activities against the country and its people. We should wait for the court to hand down its verdict.