Special Investigation Team Probes Drone Operations in South Korea

On July 14, the Special Investigation Team (내란 특검) conducted searches at 24 locations, including the Drone Operations Command, the Ministry of National Defense, and the Joint Chiefs of Staff, in connection with the alleged infiltration of drones into Pyongyang. They stated that directing drone incursions without approval from the United Nations Command constitutes an abuse of power.

The investigation revealed that former President Yoon Suk-yeol and others sent drones to North Korea, which ultimately led to the exposure of South Korea's military secrets to the North. This action has been classified under the general treason law, which stipulates that anyone who harms South Korea's military interests or provides military benefits to an enemy can face life imprisonment or a minimum of three years in prison.

According to sources, the Special Investigation Team has identified former President Yoon, former Minister of National Defense Kim Yong-hyun, and Drone Operations Commander Kim Yong-dae as suspects in the case of general treason and abuse of power.

The team noted that the drone operations in October and November of last year prompted North Korea to place eight artillery brigades near the military demarcation line on high alert and to destroy railway tracks connecting the two Koreas, escalating military tensions. They argue that these actions posed a serious threat to national security, categorizing the drone operations as acts of treason.

Additionally, the Special Investigation Team pointed out that the military personnel involved in the drone operations were not obligated to deploy drones without UN approval, and that former President Yoon's insistence on their deployment constituted an abuse of authority.

In contrast, military officials have stated that the drone operations were a standard military response to North Korea's provocations involving balloon launches, asserting that proper command and reporting protocols were followed.