Updated : 2025-12-20 00:15:43 KST
This Monday, the six-month investigation into former President Yoon Suk Yeol's alleged insurrection case came to end. The special prosecutor's probe reshaped the narrative around last year's martial law declaration, as it defined key elements such as the preparation process and what it aimed to achieve. For more, we're joined by our political correspondent, Moon Hye-ryeon. Welcome, Hye-ryeon. It's good to be here, Soojin. So Hye-ryeon, to start off, what did investigators uncover about when and why the preparations for martial law actually began?
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reshape 변경하다, 고치다
narrative 진술, 설명부
define 규정하다, 분명히 밝히다
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The special prosecutor's conclusion directly contradicts the former president's explanation. Investigators say preparations for martial law began before October 2023 — well ahead of the April 2024 general election Yoon Suk Yeol cited as the trigger. Rather than an emergency response, the probe describes the declaration as a long-term political decision, discussed and developed over more than a year. According to the findings, Yoon referenced "emergency presidential authority" soon after taking office and, by late 2022, spoke to allies about using extraordinary powers — language investigators say points to intent rather than impulse.
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findings 조사 결과들
ally[ ˈæˌlaɪ ](특히 정치적) 협력자
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By mid-to-late 2023, preparations had intensified, with key military appointments and discussions over timing. At that point, prosecutors say martial law was no longer hypothetical, but an operational plan detached from any single political event. How extensive was this plan, and what does the investigation reveal about the scope of power the former president and his allies were prepared to seize?
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hypothetical [ ˌhaɪpəˈθetɪkl ]가상적인,가설의
extensive 광범위한[폭넓은]
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Evidence recovered during the probe outlines plans to block parliamentary funding, occupy government institutions, and create an emergency legislative body to replace the Assembly. Arrest and detention lists were also confirmed, including sitting lawmakers and election officials, with intelligence officers tasked with detaining election staff under claims of fraud. Prosecutors say this amounted to an attempt to seize all three branches of power — executive, legislative, and judicial — creating what they describe as an unchecked authoritarian system.
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sitting (법정·의회의) 개정[개회] 기간
amount to …와 마찬가지이다[…에 해당하다]
unchecked 검사[점검]받지 않은
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In that context, the case is framed not as a technical breach of procedure, but as an attempt to overturn the constitutional order — a question now moving to the courts. "Whether this constitutes insurrection remains an open question, but the special prosecutor's findings appear to proceed on the premise that it does — with the final determination left to the courts." What lines did the investigation draw in terms of accountability, and what unanswered political questions does this case leave behind? The special prosecutor says the investigation has drawn clear legal lines, even as broader political questions remain unresolved.
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on the premise that ... ...이라는 것을 전제(前提)로 하여.
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On the judicial and legislative fronts, the probe found no evidence of institutional involvement. Allegations that the Supreme Court or its leadership had prior knowledge of the martial law declaration were dismissed, as were claims that lawmakers obstructed the National Assembly's vote to lift it. At the center of power, however, responsibility was sharply defined. Over six months, investigators reviewed 249 cases, indicted 27 people, and detained three key figures, including former President Yoon.
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Eight former cabinet ministers and nine presidential office officials were also sent to trial, extending accountability to senior aides. Legal experts say the true impact of the probe goes beyond the former president himself."The key achievement of the special prosecutor's investigation lies in the indictments and first-instance trials, which for the first time examine the alleged illegality of cabinet ministers failing to stop the president's dangerous use of emergency powers."
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The probe also examined the political context, identifying power retention as the core motive, while noting legal risks facing Yoon and the former first lady as contributing factors rather than separate charges. The findings point to a familiar conclusion: the legal process may be nearing completion, but political responsibility remains unsettled — underscoring the need for institutional reforms as the debate continues. We'll be following what happens next — both in the courtroom and on the political front. Thank you for your report, Hye-ryeon. Thank you for having me.
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영어 원문 출처 및 동영상 링크;
arirang news/Nat'l/Politics
https://m.arirang.com/news/view?id=290683