Commander called to account for alleged North Korea drone operation order issued by Yoon
Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol is currently under investigation by a special counsel team, led by Cho Eun-suk, for charges related to insurrection and foreign aggression. The investigation centres around a controversial drone operation into North Korea and an alleged attempt to declare martial law.
Key developments in the case include Yoon's refusal to cooperate with the investigation, despite being detained and ordered to appear for questioning. The special counsel has issued multiple orders to jail officials to bring Yoon to interrogation sessions, but these attempts have been unsuccessful. The special counsel has also threatened disciplinary actions against the Seoul Detention Center for non-cooperation.
Visitation restrictions have been imposed to limit potential interference, with visits to Yoon limited to family and legal counsel until he is formally indicted. Yoon's attorneys have appealed the validity of his arrest and detention procedures, citing health deterioration, but courts have so far dismissed these petitions, keeping him in custody.
The investigation is focusing on the role of key military officials, including Maj. Gen. Kim Yong-dae, who is believed to have been involved in the execution of the drone operation. Kim, the head of the Drone Operations Command, claimed he reported the operation over Pyongyang to the Joint Chiefs of Staff. However, the Joint Chiefs of Staff has declined to confirm its involvement in the operation.
Investigators are looking into allegations that Kim met Yoon and then-Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun at the presidential office in September 2024. Kim did not give a direct answer when asked whether the drone operation was ordered by the Joint Chiefs of Staff or discussed with the former defense minister. The special counsel has summoned Lt. Gen. Lee Seung-oh, the chief director of operations at the Joint Chiefs of Staff, to question him about the drone mission.
The allegations suggest that the drone operation was conducted without following the official chain of command, with Kim allegedly stating that the order came from the president (Yoon) and the operation was to be carried out without informing the Defense Ministry or the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The investigation is also focusing on whether the drone operation was a pretext for declaring martial law in December 2024.
Maj. Gen. Kim Yong-dae, the head of the Drone Operations Command, has been summoned as part of the investigation. Kim has denied receiving direct orders from Yoon regarding the drone operation. The investigation is ongoing, and Yoon remains detained while legal battles over his custody continue.
The ongoing investigation into former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's activities involves not only allegations of insurrection and foreign aggression but also the politics surrounding the controversial drone operation into North Korea and the possible attempted declaration of martial law. This investigation, led by Cho Eun-suk, has raised questions about the role of key military officials, such as Maj. Gen. Kim Yong-dae, who is under investigation for his alleged involvement in the drone operation and potential breach of the official chain of command. General news outlets are closely watching the development as the special counsel continues its investigations and Yoon remains in detention.
