Special Prosecutor's investigation is heading towards the peak of foreign exchange charges against Jo Tae-yong based on Hong Jang-won’s witness statement.

The testimony of Hong Jang-won and its significance

Hong Jang-won, the former first deputy director of the National Intelligence Service, broke his silence during the National Assembly hearing and impeachment trial in December 2023, delivering key testimony. His statements are regarded as revelations that dismantle the situation at the time, rather than mere personal accounts of victimization. He emphasized that the discussion of martial law was not just a matter of paperwork but was based on actual feasibility. Referring to a call with former President Yoon Suk-yeol in which he mentioned "arrest them all," he also revealed the existence of a list of individuals to be arrested. His disclosures have become a crucial benchmark in investigating the direct involvement of high-ranking officials, including former National Intelligence Service Director Cho Tae-yong. The special prosecutor's office is currently intensively investigating indications of abuse of power based on his testimony.

"Beginning of the shift in investigation direction

Hong Jang-won's revelation swiftly changed the direction of the investigation. Hong directly pointed to former National Intelligence Service chief Cho Tae-yong, emphasizing that he was the ultimate responsible person for all national security information at the time. The special prosecutor's office is investigating the fact that he was pressured to resign and reported a list via a secure phone, with how former chief Cho managed these incidents becoming a key issue. The special prosecutor's office is conducting searches at various locations, including his residence and the office of the Minister of National Defense's secretary, to secure relevant evidence. Thus, Hong Jang-won's testimony serves as an important foundation for implicating Cho Tae-yong as a suspect.

Connecting the Dots Between Drone Operations and Foreign Exchange Allegations

The drone operation in the special prosecutor's investigation has become a crucial element that enables the transition from charges of rebellion to charges of foreign exchange violations. According to a recorded conversation with Kim Yong-dae, the then commander of the drone operation, there is a statement indicating that the execution of high-risk operations was carried out 'according to VIP instructions.' This has raised suspicions that the operation was part of a plan aimed at achieving political effects. The special prosecutor is thoroughly investigating whether this drone operation was intended to provoke a military response from North Korea, and if this intent is proven, it will become possible to apply charges of foreign exchange violations.

Turning Point of the Investigation and Future Outlook

The testimony of former Deputy Chief Hong Jang-won goes beyond mere personal revelations and is based on specific and consistent evidence. The circumstances revealed through his statements point to the political planning and legal deviations of the National Intelligence Service, shaping the direction of the ongoing investigation. The special prosecutor's office views former Director Cho Tae-yong as a suspect for abuse of power and evidence destruction, and the context related to drone operations lays a logical foundation for connections to foreign exchange allegations. Ultimately, this investigation will serve as an important milestone that reveals not only accountability for those responsible but also how constitutional order and power can be misused.

Hong Jang-won's Statement and Political Planning

The revelations by former Deputy Director Hong Jang-won are not merely a provision of information, but they expose serious legal deviations related to political schemes. As a high-ranking official in the National Intelligence Service, he has taken responsibility and disclosed legal missteps orchestrated by his chain of command. His testimony significantly impacts the special investigation into former Director Jo Tae-yong for abuse of power and evidence destruction charges, and the circumstances related to drone operations also play a crucial role in the investigation. In this context, Hong Jang-won's testimony emphasizes a critical perspective on the functions of intelligence agencies and political accountability.