Gov't to form task force to probe officials' involvement in martial law bid

President Lee Jae Myung speaks with Prime Minister Kim Min-seok during a Cabinet meeting at the presidential office in Yongsan, Seoul, Tuesday. Yonhap

The government will launch a task force to investigate whether public officials were involved in illegal activities or misconduct in connection with former President Yoon Suk Yeol's martial law declaration last December, the Prime Minister's Office said Tuesday.

Prime Minister Kim Min-seok made the proposal during a Cabinet meeting earlier in the day, stressing that the government's top priority is to uphold the sovereignty of the people and democracy.

"We will swiftly conduct an internal investigation into public officials who participated in or cooperated with the martial law bid and secure the grounds for taking appropriate personnel measures," Kim said in his opening remarks.

All 49 central government agencies, excluding those under the presidential office or independent bodies, will be subject to the investigation, which will run through Jan. 31.

Among them, 12 agencies, including the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the prosecution and police, the prime minister's office and the ministries of finance, foreign affairs, justice and defense, have been designated for intensive inspection.

During the Cabinet meeting, President Lee Jae Myung voiced support for the proposal, saying it is "definitely something that must be done" in addition to the ongoing probe by a special counsel team.

Lee emphasized that officials found to be involved should be held accountable through disciplinary measures depending on their level of involvement, while the special counsel team focuses on handling criminal accountability.

Kim noted concerns have been raised over the possible inclusion of officials who were involved in the martial law attempt among those being considered for promotion, saying such an issue can eventually cause division with the public office.