Ten officers slated for probe by defense ministry On 6 January 2026, the Defense Ministry announced that roughly ten officers suspected of participating in the failed martial‑law attempt will be referred to the Defense Special Investigative Unit for a formal investigation [1]. The referrals originate from a ministerial subcommittee operating under an inter‑agency task force charged with examining public‑official involvement [1]. Officials may face disciplinary measures depending on the investigative outcomes [1]. This action follows the ministry’s effort to restore confidence in the armed forces after the episode [1].

Officers linked to martial‑law planning structures The implicated personnel include individuals associated with establishing a “martial‑law situation room” within the Joint Chiefs of Staff [1]. They also oversaw the deployment of Defense Intelligence Command staff to the National Election Commission, indicating coordination across military and intelligence channels [1]. These links illustrate the breadth of the alleged scheme to impose martial law [1]. The ministry’s description underscores the systematic nature of the plot [1].

Disciplinary committees examine bus incident after decree lift A disciplinary committee was convened to assess actions of officials who traveled on a bus departing Army headquarters for Seoul shortly after the National Assembly voted to lift the martial‑law decree [1]. Those aboard the bus are among the individuals targeted for accountability [1]. The committee’s work runs parallel to the investigative referrals [1]. This focus reflects the ministry’s intent to address both procedural breaches and symbolic acts tied to the decree’s reversal [1].

Audit and task‑force review drive broader military reform The referrals coincide with an independent audit reviewed by the inter‑agency task force, which is scrutinizing the ministry’s handling of the martial‑law incident [1]. Findings from the audit are prompting further referrals and disciplinary actions [1]. The overarching goal is to rebuild the military’s integrity and prevent future unlawful interventions [1]. The ministry frames these steps as part of a comprehensive reform agenda [1].