The investigation into former President Yoon Suk Yeol declaring a state of emergency has been completed.

What was the former president really planning?

The investigation revealed that Yoon Suk-yeol began preparations for imposing martial law long before the military reshuffle in October 2023. This is evidenced by his repeated statements about possessing “emergency powers,” witness testimonies, and subsequent military reshuffles and appointments. Plans for martial law were not contingent on the outcome of the parliamentary elections in April 2024.

This point is of particular significance to the current administration. Yoon and his supporters insist that martial law was a response to “aggressive legislative actions” by the Democrats after their leader’s conviction on November 15, 2024. However, the investigation asserts that the decision to impose martial law was not a spontaneous reaction to budget cuts or the impeachment of government officials but was prepared well before the autumn crisis.

Evidence and motives

As evidence, the investigation cites “military intelligence documents.” These are believed to be more substantial materials rather than fragmented records. It is confirmed that the president periodically expressed thoughts about the need to “disperse everyone.” For instance, in November 2022, during a meeting with leaders of the ruling People Power Party, Yoon spoke of his emergency powers and his intention to “destroy them all”, even at the cost of his own life, as well as his right to declare martial law.

It is not entirely clear which appointments, besides that of Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun (considered a friend of Yoon’s), facilitated the alleged coup. At the beginning of the investigation, “sources related to the........

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