Defense ministry launches task force to probe military, gov't officials' martial law involvement

Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back presents the outcome of the 57th Security Consultative Meeting with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in Seoul, Nov. 14. Yonhap

The defense ministry said Friday it has launched a task force to investigate the involvement of military and ministry officials in former President Yoon Suk Yeol's martial law attempt in December last year.

The task force, led by Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back, consists of about 50 personnel, including members of the inspection bureau and external experts, according to the ministry.

The move came as the office of Prime Minister Kim Min-seok has launched an interagency task force to investigate whether public officials were involved in illegal activities or misconduct in connection with Yoon's martial law bid. A total of 49 central government agencies will be subject to the investigation.

The defense ministry, which is among 12 key agencies coming under intensive inspection, said it will closely cooperate with the interagency task force.

In a related effort, the ministry will open a hotline and an email channel to receive such tip-offs.

Separately, since August, the ministry has been leading an independent investigation into military units that were mobilized for the marital law operations. The results are expected to be announced soon.