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🇰🇷 South Korea /Conflict & Security

Defense of martial law, criticism of prosecutors mark rebellion trial

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources In the courts
  • The trial of former President Yoon Suk-yeol for alleged rebellion continues with key participants testifying.
  • Some defendants have made controversial statements, including defending the martial law declaration and criticizing the special prosecutor.
  • The court is examining the timeline of martial law preparations and the military's actions, with sentencing for some officials nearing.

The trial of former President Yoon Suk-yeol on charges of leading a rebellion is intensifying, with key figures involved in the alleged 12.3 emergency martial law appearing as witnesses. The proceedings have been marked by contentious exchanges, as some defendants have defended the martial law declaration and disparaged the special prosecutor's team.

I don't understand how the prosecution can speak so confidently. Are you a prosecutor dispatched from North Korea?

— Kim Yong-hyunResponding to the special prosecutor's claims about military actions.

During a recent hearing, Yoon directly questioned former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun about the special prosecutor's assertion that the military flew drones into North Korea in October 2024 to create a pretext for martial law. Yoon argued that any response to North Korean provocations should be coordinated with the United States, regardless of martial law. Kim, in turn, questioned the prosecutor's confidence and suggested they might be acting as North Korea's spokesperson.

Further testimony revealed that Yoon allegedly made lighthearted remarks while watching television coverage of the National Assembly being blockaded by military and police forces two hours after martial law was declared. Former Presidential Office official Jeon Gwang-sam testified that Yoon stated he was doing what he had to do as president and that the deployment of troops was for safety, not for any dramatic scenario.

I am doing what I must do as president. The troops were sent for safety, not for some imagined movie scenario.

— Yoon Suk-yeolAllegedly said while watching TV coverage of the National Assembly blockade.

In a separate but related trial for military commanders involved in the martial law, some have continued to assert its legitimacy. Kim Hyun-tae, former commander of the Army's 707th Special Mission Group, argued in his closing statement that martial law was Yoon's inherent authority and could not be illegal. He requested the restoration of honor for the soldiers.

Martial law is not illegal. It is the inherent authority of President Yoon and cannot be illegal.

— Kim Hyun-taeStated in his closing argument during his trial.

In contrast, former Army Commander Kwak Jong-geun expressed deep remorse, bowing his head and apologizing to the public. He questioned whether those involved, especially the highest-ranking officials, were acting righteously. The special prosecutor has requested heavy sentences for the accused, with rulings expected soon.

I sincerely bow my head and apologize to the people.

— Kwak Jong-geunDelivered during his closing statement.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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