[2025 National Audit] "Accomplices to Rebellion" vs "Weakened Functions"... Judiciary Committee Clashes Over DCC Reorganization

The ruling and opposition parties clashed over the reorganization of the Defense Counterintelligence Command (DCC) during the National Assembly Legislation and Judiciary Committee's audit on October 17.

Choo Mi-ae, Chairperson of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

Choo Mi-ae, Chairperson of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee from the Democratic Party, stated, "During the 12·3 military coup, the commander of the Defense Counterintelligence Command and his close associates ignored their anti-subversion function and instead became accomplices to the rebellion."

Independent lawmaker Choi Hyukjin asked, "Does the DCC's internal regulations contain anything like 'intervene in a rebellion, support martial law, or oppress and harass civilians for political reasons'? The reason for this reorganization is to allow the DCC to focus on its original work, as such misconduct has occurred."

On the other hand, Kwak Gyutaek, a lawmaker from the People Power Party, said, "Just because the DCC was mobilized during the emergency martial law, it is extremely dangerous to start the discussion with the premise of dismantling the organization while disregarding all the functions it has performed so far. We must proceed with caution."

Cho Baesook, also from the People Power Party, remarked, "The reason for transferring the National Intelligence Service's counterespionage investigative authority to the police was the same. As a result, there have been few achievements in arresting spies since then. Similarly, the DCC's functions should not be weakened."

Minister of National Defense Ahn Kyubaek explained regarding the DCC reorganization, "This does not mean that the various organizations and agencies within the DCC will disappear. Their functions will be distributed to the Investigation Headquarters and Intelligence Headquarters within the Ministry of National Defense," adding, "With mutual checks and balances, the military will become stronger."