South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol ordered National Intelligence Service (NIS) First Deputy Director Hong Jang-won to arrest politicians, including People Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon, on Dec. 3 when he abruptly declared martial law. When Hong refused to comply, Yoon allegedly ordered his dismissal, multiple intelligence sources told the Chosunilbo on Dec. 5.
President Yoon called Hong late on Dec. 3, instructing him to collaborate with the Defense Counterintelligence Command to detain Han, according to people with knowledge of the matter. “The president personally called Deputy Director Hong and gave instructions, but Hong declined, citing the NIS’s lack of organizational capability, personnel, and means to carry out such an order,” a source said.
The source added that President Yoon contacted Deputy Director Hong directly, bypassing NIS Director Cho Tae-yong, because Cho had refused to comply with similar orders from the president. “Since the director did not comply, the president instructed the deputy director instead,” the source said. This is reportedly not the first time Yoon has given direct orders to Hong.
On the night Yoon imposed martial law, he deemed Hong’s refusal to arrest politicians “insubordination” and ordered him sacked. The NIS initially did not respond to requests for clarification.
But on Dec. 6, Hong confirmed that Yoon called him around 10:53 p.m. after declaring martial law on Dec. 3 and ordered him to “use this opportunity to round everyone up. Wipe everything clean.” The list included PPP leader Han, Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung, National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik, and other politicians such as Kim Min-seok, Park Chan-dae, Jeong Cheong-rae, and Cho Kuk. Hong also recalled names such as former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Kim Myeong-su, journalist Kim Ou-Joon, and National Election Commission chairperson Kwon Soon-il.
Upon hearing the instructions, Hong reportedly thought, “This is insane,” and stopped taking notes after some point.
