The special investigation team, led by Kwon Chang-young, interrogated Hong Jang-won, former first deputy director of the National Intelligence Service, for over 10 hours on June 22. The team plans to summon Hong for a fourth time on June 26.
The investigation began around 10 a.m. when Hong was called in as a suspect in connection with serious insurrection-related duties, focusing on his actions surrounding the declaration of emergency martial law on December 3.
The special investigation team is looking into allegations that Hong convened meetings with department heads under his command during the martial law period to establish a communication system with the Military Counterintelligence Command and discuss support for joint investigation operations. In response to these allegations, Hong stated, "There was never any mention of 'joint' operations."
Additionally, Hong is accused of attempting to convey messages justifying the martial law to U.S. intelligence agencies following the declaration by former President Yoon Suk-yeol. The investigation team previously uncovered evidence that the National Intelligence Service received a request from the National Security Office the morning after the martial law declaration, asking for an explanation of the background to allied nations, along with a document written in Korean.
According to the investigation team, under the direction of former NIS Director Cho Tae-yong, the overseas department under Hong's command invited the head of the CIA in South Korea to explain the document's intent, during which Hong reportedly received and approved all reports. Hong has denied all allegations.
The special investigation team had previously summoned Hong as a suspect on May 22 and June 11. They plan to conclude their investigation with one more session on June 26.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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