Former National Intelligence Service Director Jo Tae-yong, the intersection of the three special investigations

The man standing at the control tower of power

Cho Tae-yong, the former head of the National Security Office, is a figure who has been recognized as a foreign policy expert for a long time. He entered public office through the foreign service examination in the 1980s and established himself as a traditional elite in the diplomatic field by serving in various roles, including the U.S.-Korea diplomatic line and as the ambassador to the United Nations. However, in 2025, former Director Cho is being highlighted in a completely different context from his previous diplomatic image. He has emerged as a central figure at the intersection of three ongoing special prosecutor investigations in South Korea: the insurrection special investigation, the Marine Corps death investigation, and the special investigation related to First Lady Kim Keon-hee. This shift goes beyond mere political misunderstanding or image damage. Former Director Cho is currently under investigation in all these special prosecutor cases, either as a suspect or on the verge of being classified as one. Specifically, orders to review martial law, facilitating circumstances for investigation pressure, and high-level contacts with the presidential office have highlighted specific actions and silence in the most sensitive areas of power as the core of the suspicions. There are concerns that former Director Cho may have played a 'political bridge role' between the design and execution of power, making him suddenly the 'key man' in the three major special investigations.

Special Investigation into Insurrection Charges: Quiet Interference, Decisive Silence

In December 2023, it was revealed that former President Yoon Seok-yeol had considered implementing a state of emergency, including the arrest of opposition figures, leading to a full-scale investigation into insurrection conspiracy. In this process, former National Intelligence Service chief Cho Tae-yong was identified as a major target of the special investigation. The core issue is the claim that then-Deputy Chief Hong Jang-won reported Yoon's order for arrest, but former Chief Cho ignored this and took no follow-up action. The special investigation views this as part of "aiding insurrection" and is also investigating former Chief Cho for allegedly abusing his authority when he demanded Deputy Chief Hong's resignation. In early July 2025, the special investigation team conducted a search of former Chief Cho's home and office, seizing key digital materials such as cell phones, reports, and communication records. This was the beginning of a coercive investigation aimed at uncovering whether he remained silent despite being aware of the presidential office's insurrection scenario or whether he acted as an implicit accomplice. A travel ban was also imposed, and the special investigation team plans to summon him as a suspect soon. Former Chief Cho's silence is becoming a crucial criterion to determine whether he acted merely as a bystander or as a practical coordinator or executor from his position as the head of the intelligence agency. Although he may not have explicitly given orders, he is under investigation for failing to control a clear illegal situation through internal organizational procedures.

Marine Corps Special Investigation: The Behind the Scenes of the 'VIP Anger Theory' Meeting

The second incident in which former Director Cho Tae-yong has been identified as a significant participant is the special investigation related to the Marine Corps Sergeant Cha's death in the line of duty. This case initially began as an issue of negligence and accidents within the military but later transformed into a political scandal with allegations of undue interference from the presidential office in the investigation. The meeting known as the 'VIP Anger Theory,' held at the presidential office at the end of July 2023, involved President Yoon Suk-yeol expressing strong dissatisfaction with the Marine Corps investigation results. It has been confirmed that Cho Tae-yong, who was then the head of the National Security Office, attended this meeting, leading to a significant shift in the direction of the special prosecutor's investigation. The key issue is whether former Director Cho acted as a coordinator of the meeting or played a role in organizing and implementing its content. The Marine Corps special investigation team is currently analyzing the seized materials, focusing on whether Cho coordinated the VIP meeting in advance, records of organized responses immediately after the meeting, and any directives related to suppressing the investigation results. Particularly, with continuous testimonies indicating that Cho served as an intermediary in the reporting line between the presidential office and the Ministry of National Defense, there are growing concerns that he might not have merely played a role in receiving reports but acted as a central figure mediating 'the President's will' among the institutions.

Kim Geon-hee Special Investigation: Texts and Calls on the Eve of Emergency Martial Law

In 2025, with the launch of another special investigation concerning Kim Geon-hee, former Director Jo Tae-yong emerges as a key figure in this third probe as well. This time, the main issues revolve around text messages and phone calls exchanged between December 2 and 3, 2024, just before the declaration of martial law. According to testimony before the Constitutional Court, former Director Jo received two text messages from Kim Geon-hee at that time and replied directly the next day. Additionally, it is understood that the two engaged in at least one phone call. This period coincides with when former President Yoon was discussing martial law decisively. As a result, it has become a crucial piece of evidence in determining whether Kim Geon-hee was involved in the execution planning of political power beyond simply serving as an informal advisor to her spouse. The Kim Geon-hee special investigation team applied for search warrants to secure the content of these messages and call records, but some were dismissed by the court. Former Director Jo has not provided a clear explanation regarding the content of the messages, and the special investigation is focusing on analyzing the original text messages, call times, and whether encrypted phones were used through digital recovery efforts on his mobile phone. In particular, communications with individuals closely related to Kim, such as Jeon Seong-bae of 'Geon-jin Beopsa,' are also included in the scope of the investigation. This case is significant because it highlights that former Director Jo, holding a senior position in national security, had certain connections with the non-official line of the Blue House, leading the special investigation to view his political responsibility with greater severity.

"Keyman, the Weight of Silence

The reason why former Director Jo Tae-yong is at the center of attention in all three special prosecutor investigations is not merely due to chance or his position. He was in a 'hub' position where all reports and orders circulated in each case, and the decisions and silences made in that position are key to determining whether constitutional order has been violated. As a high-ranking official in the diplomatic and security lines, he is not a direct party to the incidents, but paradoxically, that aspect makes his role even more significant. His decision-making was likely carried out in most cases informally, outside of meetings, and without being documented thus, his mobile phone, text messages, call records, and the testimonies of those present at meetings have become the only means of accessing the truth. Considering the digital evidence gathered so far and the direction of analysis by the special prosecutor's team, former Director Jo is increasingly likely to be judged legally as a systematic coordinator or executor rather than a mere accomplice. Particularly, with all indications pointing towards him regarding the 'VIP anger theory' meeting, the tacit approval of the emergency martial law arrest list, and direct contact with First Lady Kim Gun-hee, his explanations and responses carry legal and political implications that are more significant than those of any politician. In conclusion, former National Intelligence Service Director Jo Tae-yong stands at an unprecedented crossroads of three investigations in the special prosecutor's office in South Korea in 2025. His silence and actions, as well as the materials, will become a test for the country's constitutional history and power monitoring system in the future.