Special Prosecutors Investigate Former NIS Officials for Insurrection Charges

The Special Prosecutors' Office, led by Kwon Chang-young, is investigating former National Intelligence Service (NIS) Director Cho Tae-yong and former Deputy Director Hong Jang-won, along with four other former NIS officials, on charges related to insurrection. The investigation focuses on allegations that former President Yoon Suk-yeol attempted to justify the declaration of emergency martial law through diplomatic and security channels shortly after it was imposed on December 3.

During a regular briefing on May 18 at the Special Prosecutors' Office in Gwacheon, Special Prosecutor Kim Ji-mi stated, "We have designated Cho, Hong, and four other former NIS officials as suspects in connection with their involvement in insurrection-related duties and are currently investigating them."

Previously, the Special Prosecutors' Office executed a search warrant on the NIS's computer servers and questioned over 40 individuals. They have confirmed that Cho met with former President Yoon after the declaration of martial law and subsequently held meetings with NIS officials and department heads.

The Special Prosecutors' Office issued a summons for Cho to appear on May 19, but he has refused to comply. A summons for Hong has been scheduled for May 22.

Additionally, the investigation is looking into whether the NIS was involved in communicating messages that supported the martial law to U.S. intelligence agencies. However, during the briefing, the Special Prosecutors' Office refrained from providing specific details regarding the charges or the nature of the communications.

The Special Prosecutors' Office has also charged Shin Won-sik, former head of the National Security Office, and Kim Tae-hyo, former Deputy Director, with insurrection-related duties. Kim has been questioned as a suspect both on May 15 and again on this day. The investigation appears to be examining the possibility that former President Yoon sought to justify the martial law through channels including the Foreign Ministry, National Security Office, and NIS.

Investigations into former Prosecutor General Shim Woo-jung are ongoing. The Special Prosecutors' Office has executed a search warrant on the Gwangju Center, where the internal server of the Supreme Prosecutors' Office, known as "Epros," is located, and has begun forensic analysis of the first batch of seized materials.

In addition, the Special Prosecutors' Office is investigating allegations related to the Yangpyeong Expressway route change, the relocation of the presidential residence, the Deutsche Motors stock manipulation case, and issues related to the Unification Church's gambling investigations. Last week, they questioned nine suspects and 42 witnesses.

Meanwhile, the Special Prosecutors' Office plans to submit a report to the President and the National Assembly this week regarding an extension of the investigation period, which is set to expire on May 24 after 90 days. Under the Special Prosecutors' Act, the investigation period can be extended twice for 30 days each.