South Korea's Unification Minister Investigated Over Emergency Martial Law Declaration

On December 19, it was reported that Kim Young-ho (김영호), South Korea's Minister of Unification, has been questioned by prosecutors regarding his attendance at a Cabinet meeting prior to the declaration of emergency martial law on December 3. The Special Investigation Unit, led by Park Se-hyun (박세현), the Chief Prosecutor of the Seoul High Prosecutors' Office, summoned Kim as a witness to inquire about when he became aware of the martial law declaration and his reasons for not attending the subsequent Cabinet meeting that discussed its repeal.

During a session of the National Assembly's Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee on December 16, Kim stated that he first learned of the emergency martial law around 8:35 PM on December 3, upon arriving at the presidential office, and expressed his opposition to it. He warned that the declaration could lead to severe issues in the economy, diplomacy, and security, and advised President Yoon Suk-yeol (윤석열) against it.

Kim also confirmed that he did not attend the Cabinet meeting that addressed the repeal of martial law, explaining that he returned home to rest due to feeling unwell around 10:45 to 10:55 PM on the same day. Earlier, on December 12, the prosecutors had also questioned Minister of Health and Welfare Cho Kyu-hong (조규홍) regarding the situation.