The Defense Security Command is dissolved after 49 years, with its functions distributed to the Defense Counterintelligence Headquarters
Dissolution of the Defense Security Command, separating the military counterintelligence organization to block political intervention and strengthen control Quickly review the key points of the Ministry of National Defense reform plan and look into the background of the changes
On the 10th, the Ministry of National Defense announced a reorganization plan to disband the Armed Forces Counterintelligence Command and divide its core functions among several organizations. This will significantly reduce the military counterintelligence organization, which was established in 1977 and has continued through the Defense Security Command and the Counterintelligence Command.
According to the reorganization plan, the counterintelligence intelligence function will be handled by the newly established Defense Counterintelligence Headquarters, while the military's security duties will be transferred to the Defense Security Support Unit. Security investigations and joint investigative authority during martial law will be transferred to the Ministry of National Defense Investigation Headquarters, and functions such as trend investigations, personnel intelligence, and rumor collection by the Counterintelligence Command will be abolished.
Defense Minister Ahn Gyuback stated that this measure is a historic turning point to block the military's possibility of political intervention and move toward a 'military of the people.' The Ministry of National Defense plans to strengthen internal inspections and external oversight, and complete the establishment of the new organizations by revising the relevant unit regulations by the end of July.