ISTANBUL

South Korea’s Defense Ministry identified around 180 military personnel for their alleged role in former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s short-lived martial law bid in Dec. 2024 and plans to take measures against them, local media reported Thursday.

The planned measures include disciplinary action. The ministry released the figure following a months-long investigation into about 860 officers from 24 military commands and units alleged to have been involved in the martial law imposition, Seoul-based Yonhap News reported.

More than 100 personnel from the ministry, the Joint Chiefs of Staff and various military branches took part in the probe to determine the extent of involvement.

The investigation confirmed circumstances indicating that the Defense Intelligence Command plotted in advance to take over the state-run election watchdog, while the Defense Counterintelligence Command and the ministry’s investigative headquarters sought to detain key politicians.

In addition to disciplinary measures, three general-level and five colonel-level officers have been indicted over playing key roles in the failed martial law bid.

“Following the announcement, we will firmly strive to rid the dishonor that has tainted the military and rebuild a military for the people,” Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back said.

The ministry also plans follow-up probes into allegations involving the Defense Counterintelligence Command and the Defense Intelligence Command, whose confidential roles had limited earlier scrutiny.

In a related development, the Defense Ministry removed Maj. Gen. Kim Yong-dae, who is suspected of dispatching drones to North Korea in October 2024 following orders from Yoon and former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun.

A special counsel team earlier concluded that the alleged dispatch was aimed at provoking North Korea into retaliation, which could then be used as a pretext for Yoon’s martial law imposition two months later.