SEOUL: In an ongoing investigation into the failed imposition of martial law on December 3, officials attempted a second raid on the presidential office compound in Yongsan on Thursday. This follows an unsuccessful attempt the previous day to gather essential documents and materials related to the probe, as reported by authorities.According to Yonhap News Agency, the National Office of Investigation (NOI) dispatched its officials to the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) headquarters, which is located adjacent to the presidential compound, at around 2 p.m. The raid targeted the JCS rather than the presidential office, which was not included in the search parameters. The JCS headquarters was notably used by the martial law command during the enforcement of the order.The JCS has agreed to cooperate with the investigation by submitting relevant materials voluntarily, the police stated. Gaining access to a military facility such as the JCS requires consent from its officials, which has been granted for this operatio n.On the previous day, police efforts focused on searching key areas including the Cabinet conference room, the Presidential Security Service, and the bunker room within the JCS headquarters. However, the initial search concluded after a few hours with police receiving only limited documents, as the security service opted not to cooperate fully.In a related development, authorities are also working to seize a secure mobile phone used by former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun. This effort is part of a coordinated operation with the defense ministry. The secure phone, designed with anti-eavesdropping and anti-voice recording software, is believed to have been used by Kim to communicate with President Yoon Suk Yeol during the martial law proceedings. Previous attempts to confiscate the device during a raid on Kim's office and official residence on Sunday were unsuccessful.
- September 13, 2026
