Seoul: The National Fire Agency announced on Monday the removal of Commissioner General Heo Seok-gon from his position following an investigation by a special counsel into his alleged involvement in former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s unsuccessful attempt to declare martial law.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the decision came after the special counsel officially notified the agency of the investigation. Deputy Commissioner General Lee Young-pal was also dismissed for similar reasons. In response to these dismissals, Kim Seung-ryong, who currently leads the Gangwon Fire Headquarters, has been promoted to deputy commissioner general and will serve as acting commissioner until a permanent replacement is appointed.

Heo and Lee have reportedly been identified as suspects in a case linked to former Interior Minister Lee Sang-min’s directive to shut down power and water supplies to media outlets during the martial law declaration on December 3.