The government announced plans to form a special task force to investigate public officials who may have participated in illegal activities surrounding the December 3 martial law declaration.

Prime Minister Kim Min-seok announced plans to launch a “Government Reform Task Force for Constitutional Integrity” following Tuesday's Cabinet meeting.

The inquiry will cover 49 central ministries and agencies, excluding presidential and independent bodies.

Twelve organizations—representing the military, prosecution, Coast Guard and National Fire Agency and police, as well as the foreign, justice, defense, interior and culture ministries—have been designated for intensive review.

Each agency must establish its own investigative unit by November 21 and determine the scope of its review by December 12.

Officials’ work computers and documents may be examined, and those who refuse to cooperate may face suspension or prosecution.

The probe will span the ten-month period around the martial law declaration and conclude with disciplinary recommendations by mid-February.

The Prime Minister’s Office said the move aims to restore public trust in the civil service after delays in the special counsel’s investigation prolonged what it called “the national process of clearing the legacy of insurrection.”