Signs surface that South Korea’s martial law was plotted well in advance

SEOUL – Senior officers of the military were ordered to be on standby for a North Korea-related situation in the days leading up to

President Yoon Suk Yeol’s declaration of martial law

, in another sign that the events that unfolded on Dec 3 were plotted in advance.

Colonel-level commanders were called to be on guard for an imminent provocation by North Korea on Dec 1, two days before the martial law declaration, according to Major-General Lee Kyung-min.

Speaking before the National Assembly on Dec 10, he said suspended defence counter-intelligence commander Yeo In-hyung cited a “serious North Korean filth balloon situation” in ordering them to be on alert for further directions.

Maj-Gen Lee has been the acting commander since Lieutenant-General Yeo was suspended from duties on Dec 6.

Defence Intelligence Commander Moon Sang-ho said former defence minister Kim Yong-hyun, who

resigned following impeachment calls

, asked him to “be ready” for a night mission at around 10am on Dec 3. Mr Yoon delivered the televised announcement of martial law at around 10.20pm.

Major-General Moon said Mr Kim again told him to “organise a team to be ready for mission” at 9pm near the government compound in Gwacheon, where the National Election Commission headquarters is located.

Troops raided the election watchdog’s office shortly after martial law was announced.

Army Chief of Staff, General Park An-su, who was appointed martial law commander, revealed that he held a one-on-one meeting with the former defence minister at around 4pm on the day martial law was declared.

Gen Park has claimed he learnt of the President’s martial law plans from the TV announcement.

Investigators have detained former defence minister Kim, hit a host of top officials with travel bans, and have also called in Gen Park for further questioning. THE KOREA HERALD/ASIA NEWS NETWORK