Defense Security Command Dismisses Claim It Drew Up Martial Law Plans to Protect Former President Roh Moo-hyun

It looks like the Korean conservative party in an effort to protect the DSC is claiming that the organization once drew up martial law plans to protect former left-wing President Roh Moo-hyun:

The Defense Security Command (DSC) on Tuesday dismissed an opposition floor leader’s allegations that it drew up a document on the possible imposition of martial law after the 2004 impeachment of liberal former President Roh Moo-hyun.

Earlier in the day, Rep. Kim Sung-tae of the main opposition Liberty Korea Party raised the allegations amid criticism that the DSC explored the possibility of imposing martial law to quash public protests against then corruption-tainted President Park Geun-hye.

“Rep. Kim’s argument is different from facts,” the DSC said in a text message sent to reporters.

“The DSC under the former government checked if there was any problem (on the part of the DSC), and there was nothing whatsoever that indicates the unit considered the (possible invocation of) martial law,” it added.  [Yonhap]

The roles of the DSC includes planning security measures and gathering information regarding military-related activities. Its primary mission is to protect national security, which includes anti-espionage and anti-terrorism activities and protecting defense industry-relation information.  The commander of the DSC reports to the Defense Minister, but can report directly to the President as well.

It is arguable the South Korean political left want to either disband or “reform” the DSC before pursuing their own goal of creating a confederation with North Korea.