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Former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo heads to the Seoul High Prosecutors’ Office in Seocho District, Seoul, on July 2 to appear for questioning by the special counsel team investigating the December 3 martial law case. / Source: Yonhap News

South Korea’s special counsel team investigating the December 3 martial law crisis has begun summoning former and current high-level officials, while two other independent investigations—one into former First Lady Kim Keon-hee and another into the death of a marine—officially launched their probes on July 2.

The team led by special prosecutor Cho Eun-seok, tasked with investigating charges of insurrection and treason related to the martial law declaration, summoned former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, Industry Minister Ahn Duk-geun, Science Minister Yoo Sang-him, and former presidential secretary Kim Jeong-hwan for questioning.

With a second round of questioning scheduled for former President Yoon Suk-yeol on July 5, the investigation is focusing on the conduct of Cabinet members at the time martial law was declared. Investigators reportedly pressed Minister Yoo and Minister Ahn on their absence from the Cabinet meeting, and questioned former Prime Minister Han about suspicions he ignored or tolerated the declaration, as well as allegations surrounding the drafting and deletion of the martial law statement.

The team is also preparing to summon other former Cabinet members, including ex-Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok, signaling a broader wave of questioning.

Meanwhile, two additional special prosecutors formally launched their investigations with plaque-hanging ceremonies: one into allegations surrounding Kim Keon-hee, and the other into the death of Marine Cpl. Chae Soo-geun in 2023.

At the ceremony in KT Gwanghwamun Tower, Special Counsel Min Jung-ki, who leads the Kim Keon-hee probe, vowed a fair and balanced investigation. “We will combine our strength and wisdom to offer clear answers to the many questions,” Min said. “The investigation will be carried out strictly according to legal procedures without overreach or bias.”

Special Counsel Lee Myung-hyun, who heads the fallen marine probe, said his office will divide the work among four teams.

• Team 1 will handle the negligent homicide charges related to the incident.

• Team 2 will investigate alleged lobbying to cover up the death and potential illegality in the appointment of South Korea’s ambassador to Australia.

• Team 3 will focus on the suspected cover-up by the presidential office.

• Team 4 will take charge of maintaining the indictment in the case of Col. Park Jung-hoon, who defied orders over the issue.

At his own ceremony in Seocho, Lee said, “From today, our investigation begins. We will do everything we can to uncover the full truth.”

The marine case team began their first formal interrogation at 2 p.m. with Lim Sung-geun, the former division commander of the late Cpl. Chae. Chae drowned during a flood rescue mission in Yecheon County, North Gyeongsang Province, on July 19, 2023. Lim faces charges of professional negligence leading to death for allegedly ordering an unsafe operation without proper safety equipment.

As he entered the special counsel’s office, Lim told reporters, “Much has already been revealed over the past two years of investigation. I neither ordered an underwater search nor held operational control at the time, so I do not believe I hold legal responsibility.”