Minister Yoon Ho-jung of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety said on the 12th that he would conduct an internal fact-finding investigation regarding allegations that some local governments, including the Seoul city government, took part in the Dec. 3 martial law. In response, the Seoul city government said it was a "politically driven investigation."
Minister Yoon wrote on Facebook that day, "There was a request from the Democratic Party of Korea's special committee to form an internal inspection team at the Ministry of the Interior and Safety," and "Regarding suspicions that some local governments were involved during the illegal Dec. 3 martial law situation, the ministry will conduct its own fact-finding investigation."
Minister Yoon added, "A thorough fact-finding is the first step to preventing a recurrence and resolving public doubts," and said, "We will investigate swiftly and thoroughly and report to the public."
Earlier, the Democratic Party of Korea's special committee responding to the treason investigation said at a briefing on the 10th that the Seoul and Busan city governments were found to have issued "government building closure control" orders to their subordinate agencies earlier than the time notified by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, arguing, "This amounts to aiding and abetting treason."
Regarding this, the Seoul city government expressed "deep regret over the ministry's investigation prompted by baseless allegations" in response to Minister Yoon's fact-finding announcement that day.
Seoul city Spokesperson Lee Min-kyung said, "We have already, on multiple occasions, detailed the circumstances on the day of martial law and the Seoul city government's measures based on facts," and added, "Nevertheless, Democratic Party of Korea lawmakers and others continue to raise baseless suspicions."
She continued, "Under that pressure, even the ministry says it will launch a politically driven investigation," and added, "The government must not lose its balance under any circumstances."
Lee also said, "If even the government is swayed by politically charged attacks that have lost reason, how can administrative stability be maintained?" and added, "We will make clear that there is not a single shred of suspicion and stand up confidently to the political offensive."