Defense ministry abolishes counterintelligence command to curb political interference

The defense ministry said Tuesday it will abolish the Defense Counterintelligence Command and redistribute its functions to prevent military intelligence agencies from interfering in politics.

Minister Ahn Kyu-baek called the restructuring a historic watershed for building a "people's army" by ensuring no single organization holds unchecked power over espionage, investigations and security. The move aims to disperse authority concentrated in one agency across specialized bodies to strengthen mutual checks, balances, and accountability.

Under the presidential decree signed by President Lee Jae-myung on July 28, the command's duties will be split among three entities effective July 31. Counterintelligence and defense industry security activities will transfer to the National Defense Counterintelligence Headquarters, while national security investigations and joint inquiry powers during martial law will move to the Ministry of National Defense Investigation Headquarters.

The newly created National Defense Security Support Group will assume responsibility for personnel background checks, security measurements, and accident investigations previously handled under security work regulations. To reinforce democratic control, the support group will include an inspection office staffed exclusively by civilian military employees. This office will conduct audits and job inspections, and soldiers within the unit may file formal objections with the inspection chief if ordered by superiors to violate constitutional rights.

The ministry also plans to install a compliance monitoring committee of civilian experts directly under the minister and pursue regular reporting to the National Assembly. Additionally, officials intend to submit a bill tentatively titled the Act on the Performance of Duties by Military Counterintelligence Personnel to parliament within the year to define legal boundaries for counterintelligence activities and establish penalties for illegal operations.