Special Counsel Seeks Warrant for Former National Security Official
The second special counsel, led by Special Prosecutor Kwon Chang-young, has requested a bench warrant for Kim Tae-hyo, the former First Deputy Director of the Office of National Security. The charges against Kim include involvement in significant tasks related to insurrection.
Kim is accused of directing the dissemination of messages that justify the emergency martial law declared on December 3 to allied countries, including the United States. He is also facing additional charges such as abuse of authority.
According to the special counsel, the Office of National Security transmitted external explanation materials to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Intelligence Service on December 4, 2024. These materials reportedly contained instructions to “explain the background of the emergency martial law to allied countries.” The content included statements such as “maintaining a stance against pro-North Korea leftists and anti-Americanism” and “political protests within the framework of the Constitution.” The special counsel suspects that Kim was responsible for the creation and distribution of these materials.
Kim, who served as a key aide overseeing the Yoon Suk-yeol administration’s foreign and security policies, had distanced himself from former President Yoon after the martial law declaration. During a special counsel investigation in May, he reportedly stated, “I thought the president had gone mad,” referring to Yoon’s decision to declare emergency martial law. However, the special counsel determined that Kim’s involvement in the martial law was substantial enough to warrant his arrest, regardless of his statement.
Initially, the special counsel considered requesting a bench warrant for Shin Won-sik, the former National Security Adviser and another key figure in the Yoon Suk-yeol administration’s security line. However, a special counsel official clarified, “We did not request a bench warrant for Shin, as his level of involvement was relatively minor.”
Key Points of the Investigation
- Charges Against Kim Tae-hyo:
- Engaging in important tasks related to insurrection.
- Abuse of authority.
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Directing the dissemination of messages justifying the emergency martial law to allied countries.
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Materials Distributed:
- External explanation materials sent to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Intelligence Service.
- Content included justification for the martial law, focusing on opposition to pro-North Korea leftists and anti-Americanism.
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Emphasis on political protests within the constitutional framework.
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Kim’s Role and Statements:
- Served as a key aide in the Yoon administration’s foreign and security policies.
- Distanced himself from former President Yoon after the martial law declaration.
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Stated during an investigation, “I thought the president had gone mad.”
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Other Officials Under Scrutiny:
- Shin Won-sik, former National Security Adviser, was considered for a warrant but not pursued due to lesser involvement.
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