SEOUL: Police were attempting another raid on the area surrounding the South Korean presidential office on Thursday as part of an ongoing investigation into a recent martial law incident, following a thwarted attempt the previous day, officials reported.According to Yonhap News Agency, the National Office of Investigation (NOI), which is responsible for the investigation, dispatched officials to the Yongsan area at approximately 2 p.m. The operation aimed to collect documents and materials related to the failed imposition of martial law on December 3 by President Yoon Suk Yeol.Authorities clarified that the target of Thursday's raid was the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) headquarters, situated adjacent to the presidential office compound. They confirmed that the presidential office itself was not included in the search parameters. The JCS building has historical significance, having been utilized by the martial law command during the period when the order was active.The JCS has expressed willingness to coo perate with the investigation, stating that it will provide the requested materials to the police through a voluntary submission process. Police noted that gaining access to any military facility, such as the JCS, necessitates obtaining consent from the JCS.On Wednesday, police efforts were focused on searching key offices within the JCS headquarters, including the Cabinet conference room, the Presidential Security Service, and the bunker room. However, the search concluded after several hours with the police receiving only limited documentation from the security service, which declined to fully cooperate with the raid.
- September 13, 2026
