Did a South Korean court permit the airing of CCTV footage featuring ex-PM Han Duck-soo at the presidential office?
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Synopsis
A recent ruling from a Seoul court paves the way for the broadcast of surveillance footage that allegedly shows former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo at the presidential office. This significant development raises questions about national security and the ongoing legal proceedings against Han, who is accused of supporting a failed martial law initiative by former President Yoon Suk Yeol.
Key Takeaways
- Seoul court allows broadcast of footage.
- Han Duck-soo faces serious charges.
- Footage relates to martial law declaration.
- Case highlights issues of national security.
- Political ramifications are significant.
Seoul, Oct 13 (NationPress) A court in Seoul has ruled on Monday that the broadcast of surveillance footage purportedly depicting former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo retrieving documents related to martial law at the presidential office last December is permissible.
The judicial panel overseeing Han's insurrection trial at the Seoul Central District Court announced during the second session that the footage will be presented as evidence and made available to the public, as the special counsel team prosecuting Han asserted that its broadcast is feasible even though it is classified as a Grade 3 military secret.
Former Prime Minister Han is currently facing charges for allegedly supporting former President Yoon Suk Yeol's unsuccessful attempt to impose martial law last December.
The contested footage reportedly captures him exiting a Cabinet meeting room at the presidential office on December 3, carrying documents that include the martial law declaration and Yoon's national address.
Han participated in a Cabinet meeting shortly before Yoon announced martial law that day.
Initially, the special counsel team sought to exclude the footage analysis from the broadcast of the trial's first session last month due to national security concerns, as per reports from Yonhap news agency.
However, they later contacted the Presidential Security Service to seek declassification of the video and received a response that effectively allowed for its broadcast.
Besides allegedly aiding in the martial law declaration, Han is also accused of drafting a revised proclamation to bolster the decree's legitimacy after December 3 and of perjuring himself at the Constitutional Court by claiming ignorance that Yoon had provided him with a copy of the martial law documents.
On September 30, Han Duck-soo made an appearance at the first hearing of his trial concerning his alleged support of former President Yoon's failed martial law initiative.
Han Duck-soo is a prominent South Korean diplomat, economist, and politician who served as acting president of South Korea in December 2024 and from March to May 2025, as well as the prime minister from 2007 to 2008 and from 2022 to 2025.
He is the fifth individual to hold the prime ministerial position twice, serving under Presidents Roh Moo-hyun and Yoon Suk Yeol. His previous roles include Minister of Economy and Finance from 2005 to 2006, Ambassador to the United States from 2009 to 2012, and Chairman of the Korea International Trade Association from 2012 to 2015.
After Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment on December 14, 2024, Han became the acting president of South Korea but was subsequently impeached by the National Assembly for his refusal to promulgate two special counsel bills aimed at investigating the impeached president and his spouse, Kim Keon-hee. He also faced allegations of failing to appoint three candidates designated by the National Assembly for the Constitutional Court of Korea.
This led to the conclusion of his tenure as acting president and the suspension of his powers as prime minister, with both responsibilities transferred to Choi Sang-mok.
Point of View
The court's decision to allow the broadcast of this footage showcases a commitment to transparency and accountability in government affairs. The implications of this trial extend beyond Han Duck-soo, as it also reflects on the broader political landscape in South Korea and raises critical discussions about the balance between national security and public interest.
NationPress
13/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the CCTV footage show?
The footage allegedly depicts former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo retrieving martial law-related documents at the presidential office.
What charges is Han Duck-soo facing?
Han Duck-soo is charged with abetting the failed imposition of martial law by former President Yoon Suk Yeol and lying under oath.
Why was the footage initially excluded from the trial?
The special counsel team initially requested exclusion due to national security concerns but later sought declassification.
What is Han's political background?
Han Duck-soo is a seasoned politician who has served multiple terms as prime minister and held various crucial government positions.
What are the broader implications of this case?
This case raises vital discussions regarding government transparency, accountability, and the public's right to information.
