Hong Jang-won, the former first deputy chief of the National Intelligence Service, arrived for questioning by the second special investigation team led by Kwon Chang-young on June 22, stating, "I will explain well regarding the suspicions and doubts raised."
According to legal sources, the special investigation team began questioning Hong at 10 a.m. as a suspect in connection with serious charges related to insurrection.
The investigation is focused on allegations that Hong directed the establishment of a communication system with the Military Counterintelligence Command and discussed support measures for the martial law investigation unit shortly after the declaration of martial law on December 3. The special investigation team had previously summoned Hong for questioning on May 22 and June 11.
Hong arrived at the investigation site at around 9:30 a.m. and commented on the allegations regarding support for the martial law investigation unit, saying, "It makes no sense at all. The term 'support unit' was never mentioned." He also addressed the counterintelligence-related allegations, stating, "I believe there has been a significant misunderstanding from the beginning. I will clarify this during the investigation."
Hong's attorney argued, "For the charge of insurrection to be established, there must be a specific directive from the president, who is the leader. However, we believe that the allegations against Hong have not been specifically identified."
The attorney continued, "The only specific matter is that during the martial law declaration on December 3, the president contacted Hong to mobilize resources, whether personnel or funds, to assist the counterintelligence unit. However, Hong did not have such authority. He cannot mobilize personnel, and matters regarding funding fall under the jurisdiction of the policy office; Hong is responsible for overseas counter-terrorism operations."
The attorney suggested that the situation may stem from a misunderstanding due to Hong briefly serving as acting director before the appointment of the current National Intelligence Service chief, Cho Tae-yong. He stated, "For such matters to be decided at the command level, Hong would have had to discuss presidential directives during the political meeting, but there was never any mention of mobilizing personnel or providing financial support."
Meanwhile, Kim Myung-soo, the former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who is also under investigation for serious charges related to insurrection, was summoned again for questioning on the same day. When asked by reporters about the special investigation team's stance on potential charges, Kim replied, "I will clarify according to the facts and the truth," before heading to the investigation office.
The special investigation team believes that Kim participated in the establishment of martial law while observing the military's deployment to the National Assembly from the command and control center during the martial law period.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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