Former Defense Minister Indicted as Investigation Intensifies
In a significant development concerning ongoing investigations, Kim Yong-hyun, the former Minister of National Defense, has been indicted by the insurrection special counsel team. The charges against him include breach of military discipline and violation of the Personal Information Protection Act. This indictment, which occurred just two days before the stipulated investigation deadline, signals an accelerated pace in the special counsel’s efforts to process remaining cases.
The special counsel’s investigation reveals a series of alleged actions by Kim Yong-hyun, purportedly in collusion with other military officials. Between October and November of last year, Kim is accused of collaborating with Moon Sang-ho, the former commander of the Information Command, and Colonels Kim Bong-gyu and Jeong Seong-wook, both affiliated with the Information Command. Their alleged conspiracy involved the illicit leaking of personal details, including a comprehensive list of over 40 personnel from the Information Command. This sensitive information was reportedly disseminated to Noh Sang-won, who was also a former commander of the Information Command. Notably, the leaked list is understood to have contained the identities of members of the special forces HID unit.
Illicit Sharing of Military Information
The special counsel has definitively concluded that the transfer of internal military information to Noh Sang-won was illegal. At the time of the alleged information exchange, Noh was a civilian, having been discharged from his military duties. This fact further solidifies the special counsel’s stance that the actions constituted a breach of established protocols and laws.
The core of the special counsel’s case appears to revolve around the alleged formation of a clandestine “second investigation unit.” This unauthorized entity, distinct from the official joint investigation headquarters that was operational during a period of martial law, was reportedly established with the intention of probing allegations such as election fraud. The special counsel contends that the personal information of Information Command personnel was shared specifically to facilitate the operations of this unofficial “special task force.”
Civilian Accused of Establishing Unauthorized Unit
Noh Sang-won, the former Information Command commander, is already facing legal proceedings for his alleged role in attempting to establish this second investigation unit. His indictment highlights the gravity of his purported actions, which are characterized as the creation of a non-official organization operating outside the established military investigative framework. Furthermore, Noh is accused of actively receiving military secrets, including the aforementioned personal information of Information Command personnel, from individuals such as Moon Sang-ho and others involved in the alleged conspiracy. The special counsel’s investigation continues to unravel the intricate network of individuals and actions contributing to this complex case.
