North Korean Threats Prompt Martial Law Troop Movements on Declaration Day

On December 3, 2024, the declaration of martial law in South Korea was driven by concerns over potential North Korean provocations. Evidence shows the military’s strategic mobilization in response to these threats.

The Ministry of Justice confirmed these details in a prosecution document submitted to the office of Democratic Party Representative Kim Seung Won. According to the document, Army Special Warfare Command Chief Kwak Jong Geun ordered paratrooper brigade commanders to prepare for immediate deployment, citing the possibility of North Korean provocations just two days before martial law was declared. This order came shortly after former Minister Kim Yong Hyun received directives to seize control of key institutions, including the National Assembly, in an emergency.

General Kwak also tasked the 707th Special Mission Battalion with preparing suppression operations and warning of potential North Korean and allied provocations within Seoul. The battalion was ordBattalionecure vital sites, including the National Assembly building. After the declaration of martial law, the 707th Battalion forciblBattalion the National Assembly, reportedly breaking windows to gain access.

The prosecution document further indicates that President Yoon Suk Yeol had contacted former Minister Kim via an encrypted phone call on the eve of the martial law declaration, saying, “Let’s meet a few days later when you’re ready,” to which General Kwak responded, “Understood.”

The Military Intelligence Command also justified deploying troops during the national election by citing concerns over North Korean threats. In October 2024, Intelligence Command Chief Moon Sang Ho received high-level orders from former Chief of Intelligence Noh Sang-won to prepare forces for a large-scale defection, a possible indication of instability linked to North Korean activities.

Military Counterintelligence Command Chief Yeoh In Hyung reported that North Korean provocations were escalating. Starting in November of the previous year, he instructed counterintelligence units to maintain a heightened readiness state, ultimately leading to the emergency declaration. Counterintelligence forces were mobilized to arrest key political figures from both major parties and deployed to strategic locations, including the National Assembly and the Election Commission, during the state of emergency.