An ongoing investigation into the unsuccessful martial law in South Korea has revealed intentions to “provoke” North Korea into launching an attack, according to information disclosed by police.

These detailed strategies were found in a notebook belonging to a former military intelligence commander, who has also been detained as part of the investigation initiated following President Yoon Suk Yeol’s decision to impose martial law on December 3.

The objective was to incite Pyongyang to strike at the de facto western inter-Korean maritime boundary, referred to as the Northern Limit Line (NLL) in the Yellow Sea, as reported by the police.

On Monday, authorities indicated that the plans were elaborated over 60 to 70 pages in the notebook of former Army Maj. Gen. Noh Sang-won, as reported by Seoul-based Yonhap News.

Noh, who previously served as the chief of the Defence Intelligence Command (DIC), had his residence in the Ansan area of Gyeonggi province searched by police.

Expelled from the military in 2018 due to a sexual abuse scandal, Noh is known to be a close associate of former Defence Minister Kim Yong-Hyun, who has also been taken into custody.

Previously, opposition parties alleged that Kim’s actions were aimed at instigating a conflict with Pyongyang to legitimize the imposition of martial law.

Spiritual advisor

North Korea has reported drone activity over Pyongyang, claiming to have shot down one of the drones and attributing the incident to the South Korean military.

Authorities are currently investigating President Yoon and his aides regarding the martial law decree, marking the 17th instance in South Korea’s history. Yoon has since been impeached and is awaiting trial by the Constitutional Court.

Several military personnel have also been detained.

Noh was running a fortune-telling enterprise from his residence while serving as a “spiritual advisor.”

Yoon has been summoned for questioning again on Wednesday by investigators, as the Constitutional Court is scheduled to conduct the first hearing of the impeachment trial on Friday.

To date, the 63-year-old leader, facing significant challenges, has ignored orders to participate in any investigative questioning.

The former prosecutor-turned-president, whose responsibilities have been suspended, has declined to acknowledge notices from the Constitutional Court.

Nevertheless, the Constitutional Court announced on Monday that it will continue with the trial, stating that notices to Yoon will be deemed served regardless of whether he acknowledges them.