Hong Jang-won Criticizes NIS Director Cho Tae-yong Over Dismissal, Alleges Abuse of Power
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In a dramatic turn of events, Hong Jang-won, former first Deputy Director of the National Intelligence Service (NIS), has publicly criticized NIS Director Cho Tae-yong, calling his dismissal “a false accusation and an abuse of the right to recommend personnel.” Hong’s dismissal came after he revealed to the National Assembly that President Yoon Seok-yeol had issued orders to arrest politicians during the December 3 martial law period.
The controversy unfolded during the first hearing of the National Assembly’s Special Committee on State Affairs Inquiry to Ascertain the facts of the Charges of Rebellion through the Declaration of Martial Law by the Yoon Seok-yeol Government. Hong, who was dismissed on December 6 last year, claimed that his removal was both invalid and illegal.
The Allegations
Hong stated, “The Director of the National Intelligence Service recommended (me) for violating the obligation of political neutrality. I heard that the president has dismissed him.” he further argued that his actions did not violate the National Intelligence Service Act, which explicitly prohibits involvement in political activities.
“it is neither in the National Intelligence Service Act nor in its regulations that the Director of the National Intelligence Service judged (me) telling him to ‘call the opposition party leader’ as a violation of political neutrality,” Hong asserted.He accused Director Cho of making an “arbitrary decision” without proper legal basis, claiming that Cho’s actions were not grounded in the NIS laws and regulations. “The director of the National Intelligence Service, who has the authority to make personnel recommendations, made an arbitrary decision without being based on the National Intelligence Service laws and regulations and made a false report to the personnel authority,” Hong said.
The context
Hong’s dismissal stems from his disclosure of President Yoon’s alleged orders during the martial law period.On December 4, the day after martial law was declared, Hong reportedly suggested to Director Cho that the NIS should communicate with the opposition party. “I even made a phone call to the opposition party representative saying, ‘The National Intelligence Service is managing the security situation on the Korean Peninsula well, communicating with foreign countries, and managing domestic social order well,’” Hong explained.
He added, “how about this?” as a proposed idea to maintain transparency and communication.
Hong also revealed that he had informed Director Cho about President Yoon’s directive to support the counterintelligence agency. “There is an order from President (Seok-yeol Yoon) to support the counterintelligence agency,” Hong said. “The counterintelligence agency is going to catch Han Dong-hoon and Lee Jae-myeong.”
Director Cho reportedly responded, “Let’s talk about it tomorrow morning,” but Hong claimed that no further guidance or direction was provided.
A Plea for the NIS
Hong expressed concern about the future of the NIS, emphasizing the importance of fostering a culture of open communication. “You ask for opinions every morning at tea time, and if you suddenly say that it is a violation of the ban on political involvement and put you in such a difficult situation, then the next time a unit commander finds himself in the same situation, the NIS can create a culture that can communicate. Can we continue to develop?” he asked.
He also appealed directly to Director Cho, saying, “Director, you love the National Intelligence Service, right? I don’t think it is right to dismiss ‘Number 2’ like this for the sake of our National Intelligence Service. I hope you will think carefully about the growth of our National Intelligence Service.”
Key Points at a Glance
| Key Details | Summary |
|———————————————-|—————————————————————————–|
| Hong’s Dismissal | dismissed on December 6 for allegedly violating political neutrality. |
| Alleged Orders from President Yoon | Hong claims President Yoon ordered the arrest of key politicians. |
| NIS director’s Role | Hong accuses Director Cho of making arbitrary decisions without legal basis.|
| Proposed Communication with Opposition | Hong suggested calling the opposition leader to maintain transparency. |
| Concerns for NIS culture | Hong warns that the dismissal could harm the NIS’s ability to communicate. |
The Broader implications
Hong’s revelations have sparked a heated debate about the role of the NIS and the extent of its political neutrality. his dismissal raises questions about the balance between national security and political accountability. as the investigation continues, the public awaits further developments in this unfolding political drama.
For more insights into the National Intelligence Service’s role in South Korea’s political landscape, click here.
What do you think about Hong Jang-won’s allegations? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Headline: Unraveling the NIS Storm: An Interview with Dr. Lee Min-jae, Expert on South Korean Intelligence
Intorduction:
In the wake of former NIS deputy director Hong Jang-won’s revelations and subsequent dismissal, the role and political neutrality of South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) have come under intense scrutiny. Today, we sit down with Dr. Lee Min-jae, a renowned political scientist and intelligence specialist, to dissect the unfolding drama and its implications.
1.The Allegations against Director Cho Tae-yong
Senior Editor (SE): Dr. Lee, let’s start with Hong Jang-won’s allegations against NIS Director Cho Tae-yong. How credible do you find these claims?
Dr. Lee Min-jae (LMJ): given Hong’s position as the former number two at NIS, his claims carry significant weight. His assertion that President Yoon ordered arrests and his suggestion to communicate with the opposition before his dismissal are serious accusations. However, we must wait for concrete evidence and the investigation’s outcome to reach a definitive conclusion.
SE: Hong also accused Cho of making an arbitrary decision without legal basis.Your thoughts?
LMJ: Cho’s decision to dismiss Hong must be examined against the backdrop of the National Intelligence Service Act. If it’s proven that Cho misinterpreted or overstepped his authority, then Hong’s accusation could hold water. But again, we need more details to pass judgment.
2. the Context: martial Law and Communication with the Opposition
SE: Hong suggested communicating with the opposition party soon after martial law was declared. Was this a justified action, or an overstep?
LMJ: openness and communication can be beneficial during crises like martial law. However, the NIS, as an intelligence agency, should maintain impartiality in politics. While hong’s intentions might have been good, his actions could be seen as encroaching on political territory, which may have contributed to his dismissal.
SE: But isn’t maintaining transparency in line with the NIS’s mission, especially during a crisis?
LMJ: That’s a valid point, but it’s a thin line to walk. The NIS must not only be clear in its operations but also ensure it doesn’t interfere with or appear to interfere with political processes.
3. Broader Implications and Hong’s Dismissal
SE: How do you think Hong’s revelations and dismissal will impact the NIS and South Korea’s political landscape?
LMJ: This saga raises critical questions about the NIS’s political neutrality, accountability, and the balance between national security and democratic principles. It could lead to reforms within the NIS and a closer examination of the president’s powers during emergencies.
SE: Lastly, do you think Hong’s dismissal was invalid and illegal, as he claimed?
LMJ: Without access to all the internal deliberations and the legal basis for the decision, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. however, if proven that the dismissal was politically motivated or lacked proper legal grounding, then Hong’s claims could hold merit.
