The 180-day special counsel investigation of former President Yoon Suk Yeol's martial law case has determined that the declaration on Dec. 3, 2024, was planned long in advance, with an aim "to consolidate and maintain power." The preparation for martial law began as early as October 2023, the investigation revealed. Yoon and his core associates planned to seize the National Assembly through military intervention and replace it with an emergency legislative body while also holding the reins over the judiciary to "eliminate" political opponents. Their foes were to be categorized as "anti-state forces," and included not only Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) lawmakers but former allies such as former Justice Minister Han Dong-hoon. Internal memos and notes seized and individual testimonies by the independent counsel showed that Yoon had referred to Han as a "communist," and that he felt so-called "leftist forces" should be eliminated. The special counsel clarified that Yoon began planning for martial law after the military reshuffles in late October 2023, rebuffing the disgraced ex-presiden