A highly controversial military document containing detailed procedures for the potential invocation of martial law,... which includes diplomatic steps to gain recognition for the move from the U.S. was revealed on Monday.
Our Lee Seung-jae has more on what the document contains.
South Korea's defense ministry submitted to the National Assembly's defense committee on Monday part of the document,... which the Defense Security Command drew up early last year,... to delve into the possibility of invoking martial law to quell public protests,... if a court ruling over the fate of former president Park Geun-hye caused unrest.
One of the steps mentioned in the document,... was to have the defense minister invite the U.S. ambassador,... to ensure his cooperation in seeking Washington's recognition of martial law.
The document also called for the martial law commander to summon foreign military attaches to seek their support,... and efforts to restore social order.
The document in question,... also called for controlling the media.
It called for the submission of first newspaper editions, broadcasting scripts, periodicals and other publications for censorship.
Also to address the possible spread of rumors,... the document also contained a set of steps for shutting down Internet portals and networking services that could be used for disseminating false accusations.
The controversial document also includes steps to influence the National Assembly,... such as a measure to prevent the legislature from calling a floor vote on a parliamentary motion for the lifting of the martial law.
The case has drawn the ire of the public,... as critics say the use of the military to handle public protests,.. flies in the face of democratic principles,... and it could mark another case of political interference by the military.
However, some conservative groups argue the military is well within its rights to draw up such measures to prepare for any scenario that could compromise national security.
The military and the prosecution are forming a joint investigation team to look into whether the document was in any way illegal.
Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.
