종합특검 “홍장원 계엄 직후 ‘SNS 여론 수집’ 지시”…홍 쪽 “통상 업무”

A special investigation team of Prosecutor-General's Office accused former National Intelligence Service (NIS) deputy director Hong Jang-won of committing serious misconduct during the state of emergency on December 3, 2024. According to a report obtained by the Chosun Ilbo on December 27, the probe was based on Hong's instructions to collect SNS, media coverage and comment data from subordinate agencies during the state of emergency.

Hong reportedly held a meeting with subordinate department heads in the National Intelligence Service, instructing them to gather controversial or exaggerated information from social media and online comments related to the emergency. Although some employees reportedly objected, Hong allegedly insisted on proceeding with this task.

After the meeting, Hong's team produced a report titled "2024 December 4: Trends in Fake News and Misinformation Distribution Related to State of Emergency" and delivered it to Hong. The Special Investigation Team also cited Hong's orders to establish a liaison system with the police and dispatch personnel to the police situation room, as well as his effort to collect reactions from foreign governments to the state of emergency, as grounds for the serious misconduct allegations.

Hong's side contends that such activities are part of regular information and safety duties even during normal operations, and that his actions during the state of emergency were limited to checking manuals and following directives. They also argue that Hong did not comply with President Yun Suk-geol's order to support political persecution and that his attendance at the National Assembly after the emergency, where he detailed the political persecution order, disqualifies him from participating in the state of emergency allegations.