Special Prosecutor Cho Eun Seok’s team, investigating the 12·3 emergency martial law rebellion and foreign disturbance case, has summoned Drone Operations Commander Kim Yong Dae and Joint Chiefs of Staff Operations Chief Lee Seung Oh for questioning.
Commander Kim arrived at the Seoul High Prosecutors’ Office in Seocho-gu at approximately 9:34 AM (KST).
Speaking to reporters, he emphasized that his actions were always in service of the country and its people, not for personal gain. He expressed concern about being investigated by a special prosecution over military operations and vowed to clarify facts and dispel misconceptions in his testimony.
Commander Kim denied meetings with former President Yoon Seok Yeol and ex-Minister Kim Yong Hyun, calling the claims false and stating he has evidence. He dismissed allegations of receiving orders from V as baseless.
Upon reporting to Chief Lee, he stated that the chain of command is clear to any soldier. When asked about leading generals directly, he asserted it falls within his command authority.
Later that afternoon, Chief Lee appeared at the Seoul High Prosecutors’ Office for questioning.
The Special Investigation Team is expected to question him on the execution and reporting of drone operations. Investigators suspect former President Yoon may have orchestrated drone incursions into North Korea to provoke attacks and justify emergency martial law.
Since Monday, investigators have raided multiple military sites, including the Drone Operations Command.
The warrant cites abuse of power and treason, naming Yoon, Kim Yong Hyun, and Commander Kim. They are accused of escalating tensions, risking national security, and possibly leaking military data to North Korea.
Prosecutors are probing whether Yoon directly ordered the drone missions.
Investigators have questioned military personnel, including researchers from the Aerospace Technology Research Institute, who supplied the drones.
A recording from an officer reportedly claims the drone mission was ordered by V, referring to Yoon, and says V was pleased by North Korea’s reaction, with more drones sent in November.
Prosecutors used this in Yoon’s July 5 questioning, but he denied all claims.
On Tuesday, his legal team stated drone deployments were not reported to Yoon, who received no such briefings.