South Korea: Former Defence Minister Charged with Insurrection in Martial Law Investigation

Seoul, Dec 27 (NationPress) The prosecutors in South Korea have indicted former Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun on insurrection charges while he remains in detention, due to his suspected involvement in the brief enforcement of martial law this month.

The special investigation team from the prosecution has charged Kim with abuse of power and asserting a significant role in an insurrection, marking the initial indictment related to President Yoon Suk Yeol's unsuccessful declaration of martial law on December 3.

As reported by Yonhap news agency, prosecutors allege that Kim suggested Yoon declare martial law and was responsible for the deployment of troops to the National Assembly and the National Election Commission offices during this period.

Earlier today, the Constitutional Court of South Korea announced it would expeditiously move forward with President Yoon's impeachment trial, having concluded the first hearing. The next hearing is scheduled for January 3.

This announcement was made during the preparatory hearing for the impeachment trial concerning the validity of Yoon's impeachment by the National Assembly this month, which was prompted by his failed attempt to impose martial law on December 3, as reported by Yonhap.

Justice Cheong Hyung-sik, one of the judges overseeing the preparatory proceedings, emphasized, "The case regarding the President's impeachment holds greater importance than any other case," highlighting that the court prioritizes addressing cases deemed "most urgent."

Justice Lee Mi-son, another judge from the Constitutional Court, noted that the date for the next hearing was established by considering the serious implications that the impeachment trial could have on both state affairs and the public.

The hearing marked the first occasion where legal representatives for both Yoon and the National Assembly convened to present their arguments, list witnesses and evidence, and coordinate future hearing dates.

Although Yoon was not mandated to attend, he did not appear as anticipated during the hearing.

Yoon's legal team indicated that they would challenge the legality of the request for the impeachment trial, referencing potential procedural complications related to Yoon's impeachment motion at the National Assembly.

While they conceded that Yoon's declaration of martial law and its subsequent announcement were facts, they indicated that further details regarding the circumstances of this declaration would be clarified later.

Up until Friday morning, Yoon had declined to accept documents pertinent to his trial and had not appointed a legal defense team. However, with time running short, his representatives announced the formation of a legal team including lawyers Bae Bo-yoon, Yun Gap-geun, and Bae Jin-han. Notably, Bae Bo-yoon had previously served as a spokesperson for the Constitutional Court during the impeachment trial of former President Geun-hye.