Former South Korean Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn and former National Intelligence Service (NIS) chief Cho Tae-yong have been arrested in connection with the controversial martial law declared by ex-President Yoon Suk-yeol in December 2024. Reports from local media indicate that Hwang was detained on charges of inciting insurrection, while Cho faces multiple allegations, including dereliction of duty related to the NIS.
Following the declaration of martial law, Hwang reportedly called for the arrest of the speaker of the National Assembly and actions against individuals implicated in alleged election fraud. Cho is accused of failing to inform the National Assembly about the martial law plans, despite being required to do so under the NIS Act, which mandates reporting significant national security developments to the Assembly and the president. Cho has denied these charges during a recent hearing.
The arrests come as prosecutors have filed additional charges against Yoon, who was removed from office in April 2025 and is currently awaiting trial for the failed martial law attempt. The latest indictment alleges that Yoon sought to create a military conflict with North Korea by deploying drones over its territory to justify his martial law declaration. Prosecutors claim this drone activity led to a breach of military secrets when one drone crashed near Pyongyang.
Yoon’s attempt to impose martial law resulted in a political crisis, characterized by soldiers being dispatched to parliament to thwart opposing lawmakers, ultimately leading to his detention. Notably, both Yoon and his wife, Kim Keon Hee, who is facing her own corruption charges, are currently in custody, marking a significant moment in South Korea’s political history.
Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/11/12/south-koreas-former-pm-spy-chief-arrested-over-martial-law-declaration?traffic_source=rss