South Korea’s Defence Minister Ahn Gyu-back urged for a significant overhaul of defence intelligence and investigative units to enhance military restructuring following the failed martial law attempt in late 2024. Ahn emphasized the need for reform during a policy briefing session with the Defence Intelligence Command (DIC), the Defence Counterintelligence Command (DCC), and the Criminal Investigation Command (CIC).
“The DCC and military intelligence institutions must undergo a fundamental reform to restore trust in these organizations,” Ahn stated, highlighting the importance of the counterintelligence unit distancing itself from past controversies. The Defence Counterintelligence Command is under scrutiny for its alleged involvement in the brief imposition of martial law by former President Yoon Suk Yeol in December 2024.
Ahn also stressed the importance of preventing the Defence Intelligence Command from being politicized or misusing its intelligence capabilities. A recent recommendation by a special advisory committee proposed disbanding the counterintelligence command, potentially leading to its dissolution after nearly five decades of operation.
Additionally, Brigadier General Park Jung-hun, acting director of the CIC, was instructed by Ahn to thoroughly investigate allegations made by North Korea regarding drone incursions. An investigation was initiated following North Korea’s claims of sovereignty violations by South Korea through drone activities, which South Korea has denied involvement in.
