President Lee Jae-myung has backed Prime Minister Kim Min-seok’s proposed government task forces to investigate public officials who aided the December 3 martial law declaration.

The president voiced his support for Kim’s proposal during a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, describing the proposed action as “something that must be done.” 

Kim explained that the task force would identify public officials involved in the declaration and secure the legal grounds to take appropriate action against them. 

Kim added that the task forces, spanning ministries and state agencies, would aim to complete investigations by January and take follow-up actions before the Lunar New Year holiday, thereby restoring public trust and minimizing unrest within the civil service.

Lee called the proposal necessary and emphasized that the probe should be conducted independently rather than relying solely on the special counsel.

The president added that criminal responsibility for the insurrection is being addressed through special counsel teams, but that administrative measures, including personnel actions, may also be necessary, depending on the suspects' level of involvement.