The investigation into President Yoon Suk Yeol’s December 3 martial law declaration has sparked a power struggle among South Korea’s prosecutors, police, and the Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials (CIO). This conflict over jurisdiction is raising concerns about delays and inefficiencies in resolving the case.
The CIO rejected a prosecutor’s request to hand over martial law-related cases, instead demanding transfers under its legal authority. Prosecutors proposed a joint investigation, but the CIO dismissed this, leaving the two sides at an impasse while they examine the legal grounds for their claims.
Prosecutors have intensified their investigation, targeting the Defense Counterintelligence Command with raids involving military prosecutors. Evidence collected includes testimony from former Army Special Warfare Commander Kwak Jong-geun, who alleges he refused unlawful orders from former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun during the martial law incident.
Former Interior Minister Lee Sang-min, accused of aiding the martial law declaration, is also under scrutiny. Investigators have imposed a travel ban on him and are considering similar measures for President Yoon, who has been officially named a suspect in the case.
Observers warn that the jurisdictional dispute could slow the investigation. Legal experts highlight that the CIO’s insistence on case transfers has worsened tensions, potentially leading to duplication of efforts and delays in addressing the serious allegations of insurrection and abuse of power.