On the 17th, the special investigation team for the rebellion is questioning Kim Yong-dae, the commander of the drone operations, regarding the allegations of the 'infiltration of unmanned aerial vehicles from Pyongyang.'
Commander Kim appeared at the Seoul High Prosecutors' Office around 9:33 a.m. that day. Earlier, it was reported that the special investigation team had summoned Commander Kim as a suspect.
The special investigation team is investigating whether former President Yoon Suk-yeol directly ordered the drone company to deploy unmanned aerial vehicles from Pyongyang last October to create a justification for declaring martial law, and whether the military was involved in a cover-up.
Commander Kim told reporters outside the Seoul High Prosecutors' Office that, "I have served in the military for 33 years and am now in my 34th year. I have never forgotten that I am a soldier for the people and the nation. All of my actions have been for the country and the people, and I have never sought personal gain."
He also stated, "The very fact that I am receiving a special investigation regarding military operations is truly devastating to me," adding, "I will sincerely listen to the questions asked at the special investigation and respond sincerely."
Commander Kim's side claims that the operations to deploy unmanned aerial vehicles from Pyongyang were conducted lawfully under the command of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and are unrelated to the state of emergency declared on December 3rd.