South Korean special prosecutors probe emergency martial law and presidential residence scandals

South Korea's second comprehensive special investigation team, led by special prosecutor Kwun Chang‑young, indicted former Joint Chiefs chairman Kim Myung‑soo and several senior military officials for their roles in the emergency martial law declared on 3 December 2024. The prosecutors concluded that the officials participated in drafting and issuing a “single order” that escalated the alert level and directed units, but they cleared others, such as former heads of operations, citing insufficient evidence. Nine other officers were arrested on related charges.

The same special investigation team scheduled former first lady Kim Keon‑hee to appear on 19 January as a suspect in an alleged abuse‑of‑power and brokerage‑fraud case involving the selection of contractors for the presidential residence relocation. Investigators are examining whether she improperly influenced the contract award and received Dior luxury items in exchange. Earlier raids recovered Dior jackets, belts and bracelets linked to the case, and additional officials from the presidential office have also been summoned for questioning.