Counterintelligence Agency Conducts Search of Former Spokesperson Bu Seung-chan Over 'Cheongong' Tip-Off

Published Book Criticized for Violating Military Secrets Protection Act

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] The Defense Counterintelligence Command conducted a search and seizure at the residence of former Ministry of National Defense spokesperson Bu Seung-chan.

On the 23rd, a counterintelligence official stated, "We recently received a report regarding former spokesperson Bu's alleged violation of the Military Secrets Protection Act, and began an investigation this morning starting with a search and seizure." The counterintelligence command did not disclose the identity of the reporter, specific charges, or the scope of the search, citing that it is an ongoing investigation.

However, within the Ministry of National Defense and military circles, there have been claims that former spokesperson Bu's recently published book contains descriptions of sensitive military information, such as details of confidential meetings and conversations with officials during his tenure as spokesperson, which may constitute a violation of the Military Secrets Protection Act.

A military source said, "Regardless of the Cheongong controversy, sensitive internal military meeting discussions were exposed as they were, raising concerns about potential violations of the Military Secrets Protection Act. Many viewed that neglecting this could lead to recurrence of similar cases."

The counterintelligence command primarily carries out counterintelligence duties targeting military personnel but can also investigate civilians suspected of violating the National Security Act or the Military Secrets Protection Act, including conducting search and seizure operations.

Former spokesperson Bu published a book titled Power and Security - The Ministry of National Defense Scandals and Cheongong Allegations during the Moon Jae-in Administration on the 3rd. The book compiles diaries Bu kept during his time at the Ministry of National Defense, organized by topic, and includes descriptions of matters discussed in internal Ministry or military meetings. Notably, it contains an account that in April of last year, during the presidential residence selection process, a fortune teller named Cheongong and senior officials from the Presidential Transition Committee visited the Army Chief of Staff’s official residence and the Army Seoul Headquarters within the Ministry of National Defense grounds, as told to Bu by Nam Young-shin, then Army Chief of Staff, reigniting speculation about Cheongong’s involvement in the residence selection.