Lee Jong-seok, director of the National Intelligence Service, attends a parliamentary inquiry session at the National Assembly in Seoul. Photo by Asia Today
April 5 (Asia Today) — South Korea’s intelligence agency faced renewed scrutiny over political neutrality after its former and current chiefs made conflicting appearances the same day, highlighting long-standing concerns about the agency’s role across administrations.
Former National Intelligence Service chief Cho Tae-yong was recommended for a seven-year prison sentence during a court hearing on charges including illegal political involvement and dereliction of duty, according to prosecutors.
Cho is accused of failing to report plans related to a Dec. 3 martial law declaration and attempting to conceal the situation to prevent the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk-yeol.
In his final statement, Cho denied wrongdoing, saying the agency “did nothing shameful” in relation to the situation. Prosecutors, however, argued the case represented a serious breach of constitutional order, accusing the intelligence service of being used to protect the leadership.
On the same day, current NIS Director Lee Jong-seok appeared before a National Assembly inquiry and raised allegations about the previous administration’s handling of a case involving alleged financial transfers to North Korea.
Lee said an internal review found signs that the agency may have tried to influence a prosecution investigation. He alleged that only selected documents were shared with prosecutors, potentially excluding materials that could have offered a broader perspective.
The developments marked a rare moment in which a former intelligence chief faced criminal charges while the sitting director publicly criticized actions taken under a previous administration.
Observers say the episode underscores a recurring pattern in South Korea, where intelligence leadership becomes entangled in political disputes during transitions of power.
Experts called for stronger institutional safeguards to ensure the agency’s independence from political influence, warning that repeated controversies risk undermining trust and encouraging risk-averse behavior among officials.
— Reported by Asia Today; translated by UPI
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Original Korean report: https://www.asiatoday.co.kr/kn/view.php?key=20260405010001309