Seoul: The defense ministry announced on Monday its intention to finalize the reform and relocation of the Defense Counterintelligence Command's functions by next year. This move is part of efforts to restore the military's integrity following last year's unsuccessful attempt at martial law.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the command is suspected of being instrumental in the brief imposition of martial law by former President Yoon Suk Yeol in December, with allegations against its former commander for deploying troops to the National Assembly and the National Election Commission.
A report submitted to lawmakers in anticipation of a parliamentary audit session indicated that the command possesses "excessive" authority, which includes intelligence collection and investigative powers. The ministry emphasized the need to realign its functions to focus solely on counterintelligence activities.
The ministry outlined its strategy to devise detailed measures through a ministerial advisory body established for this purpose. This special committee, composed of members from the government, military, and civilian sectors, will operate until the end of the year.
In his introductory statement during the audit session, Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back committed to developing a military that neither dominates the populace nor succumbs to external pressures. He also promised to enhance military capabilities with advanced technology to address the multifaceted and unpredictable security challenges, such as North Korea's progressing nuclear and missile capabilities.