South Korea's special counsel raided the military's Drone Operations Command and Defense Ministry headquarters on Monday, escalating a probe into former President Yoon Suk-yeol's alleged plot to use drones as part of a failed martial law declaration. The investigation now considers treason charges against the ex-leader, who is already on trial for insurrection.
Authorities suspect Yoon ordered senior officials last October to deploy surveillance drones to Pyongyang, capital of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), according to Yonhap News. The alleged operation aimed to create a security pretext for declaring martial law on December 3, 2022 – a move blocked by parliament within hours of its proposal.
This marks the first time investigators have directly linked drone technology to the case. Analysts suggest the raids seek evidence of military coordination in what prosecutors describe as 'an unconstitutional attempt to seize emergency powers.'
The developments come amid heightened regional tensions, with the DPRK conducting multiple weapons tests this year. Security experts warn the revelations could impact inter-Korean relations and investor confidence in South Korea's political stability.
