Police Special Investigation Unit Disbands After 200 Days: What’s Next for Korea’s Martial Law Probe?

The Disbandment of the Special Investigation Unit: What Happened?

Did you know? After 200 days of relentless investigation, the South Korean police’s Special Investigation Unit (SIU) dedicated to the December 3 Martial Law incident officially disbanded on June 26, 2025. The SIU, formed just three days after the controversial emergency martial law declaration, grew to 150 members and became a symbol of Korea’s determination to uncover the truth behind one of its most turbulent political crises. The unit handed over all remaining cases and evidence to the independent insurrection special prosecutor, marking a new phase in the national reckoning with the events of December 2024.
From the start, the SIU’s mandate was clear: investigate the legality and orchestration of the martial law, including the roles of top police and government officials. Their dissolution signals not an end, but a transition to an even more high-profile legal battle.

A Timeline: From Martial Law to Special Prosecution

Let’s break down the timeline. On December 3, 2024, then-President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law in a televised address, sending shockwaves through Korean society. Within days, the SIU was formed, and by November, they had already made headlines by arresting Jo Ji-ho, the National Police Agency chief, and Kim Bong-sik, the former Seoul Police chief, on charges of insurrection-related duties. These early moves were seen as a strong statement that no one was above the law—even the police themselves.
Over the next months, the SIU conducted a sweeping investigation, including raids, digital forensics, and the controversial seizure of the so-called “Roh Sang-won notebook”—a key piece of evidence. By June 2025, after a request from the special prosecutor, the SIU officially handed over all materials and disbanded, closing a dramatic chapter in Korea’s legal and political history.

Who Is Roh Sang-won and Why Is His Notebook So Important?

Roh Sang-won, a former intelligence commander, emerged as a central figure in the investigation. His arrest and the subsequent discovery of his personal notebook changed the course of the probe. The notebook wasn’t just a diary—it allegedly contained detailed plans for extending martial law, suppressing opposition, and even strategies for provoking a North Korean attack along the Northern Limit Line (NLL).
Community reactions exploded when the contents were leaked, with many comparing the notes to historical precedents of authoritarian crackdowns in Korea. The notebook’s revelations fueled suspicions that the martial law was not a defensive move, but a calculated attempt at a coup, complete with lists of politicians, journalists, and judges to be detained.

How Did the Community React? Online Voices and Public Outcry

Korean online communities like DC Inside, Theqoo, Pann, and Instiz buzzed with debate. Many users expressed skepticism about the impartiality of police investigating their own leadership, while others praised the SIU’s bold arrests. On Naver and Daum, blog posts and comment sections overflowed with both outrage and relief. Some of the most liked comments included:
• “Is this really democracy if the police have to arrest their own chiefs?”
• “Finally, someone is holding the powerful accountable.”
• “The Roh Sang-won notebook is like something out of a thriller—shocking and terrifying.”
• “We need international observers. This is too big for Korea alone.”
While some posts accused the investigation of being politically motivated, others called for even deeper scrutiny, especially with the special prosecutor now in charge.

Why Did the SIU Disband, and What Happens Next?

The SIU’s disbandment was not a sign of failure, but a procedural step as the investigation shifted to the independent special prosecutor. The National Assembly had already passed a bill mandating a permanent special counsel to probe the martial law incident, reflecting widespread concern about potential conflicts of interest if only police or prosecutors handled the case.
With the special prosecutor now leading, the focus is on possible charges of insurrection and abuse of power against former President Yoon and his inner circle. The prosecutor’s team is summoning high-ranking officials, reconstructing timelines, and analyzing digital evidence—including the Roh Sang-won notebook and communications among military and police leaders.

Cultural Insight: Why This Matters to Korean Society and Global Audiences

To truly understand the gravity of this case, it helps to know Korea’s fraught history with emergency powers and military coups. Memories of the 1980 Gwangju Uprising and the authoritarian eras of Park Chung-hee and Chun Doo-hwan still shape public fears about martial law. The December 3 incident revived old anxieties about democracy’s fragility and the dangers of unchecked executive power.
For global readers, this case is a window into how modern Korea grapples with its past while navigating contemporary political storms. The passionate online fandom—ranging from political activists to K-drama fans—shows just how deeply these events resonate with ordinary people.

What Are the Latest Developments? (As of June 13, 2025)

Recent news reports confirm that the special prosecutor’s investigation is intensifying. Former President Yoon has been summoned for questioning, and new charges—including abuse of authority—are being considered. The prosecutor is also investigating allegations that government officials tried to manipulate or destroy evidence, and is scrutinizing the role of the National Intelligence Service and the Central Election Commission.
Meanwhile, the public remains glued to blogs and forums, dissecting every new revelation. The fate of the accused, the outcome of the special prosecution, and the broader implications for Korean democracy are still unfolding.

Must-Know Background: Fandom, Media, and Political Culture

Foreign readers might be surprised by the level of engagement in Korean online communities. Platforms like Naver Blog, Tistory, and DC Inside aren’t just for sharing hobbies—they’re battlegrounds for political debate and citizen journalism. During the martial law investigation, bloggers posted real-time updates, legal analyses, and even memes lampooning political figures.
This digital activism is a hallmark of Korea’s vibrant civil society, and it played a key role in keeping the public informed and holding authorities accountable.

Looking Ahead: The Future of the Martial Law Investigation

With the SIU disbanded and the special prosecutor in charge, all eyes are on the coming months. Will the investigation lead to indictments of top officials? Can Korea’s democratic institutions withstand the strain? And what lessons will the world take from this unprecedented legal and political drama?
One thing is clear: the December 3 martial law incident has become a defining moment for Korea’s democracy, with repercussions that will be felt for years to come.