Detention hearing begins for Kim Tae-hyo over alleged 'martial law justification messages'

Kim Tae-hyo, former first deputy director of the National Security Office, is undergoing a detention hearing on charges related to the December 12th military coup, specifically allegations of transmitting messages to allies, including the United States, that justified martial law.

The Seoul Central District Court began the hearing on the morning of July 10th to determine whether to issue an arrest warrant for Kim. He faces charges of engaging in important martial law duties and abuse of power. Reports suggest the messages conveyed that then-President Yoon Suk-yeol was committed to countering pro-North Korean and anti-American sentiments based on liberal democracy and Christian values.

Kim reportedly denies the charges, stating he did not lead the transmission of such messages. When questioned by reporters upon arrival at the court, he declined to comment, saying he would speak at a later opportunity. The special prosecutor's team, investigating remaining cases from the three special probes, views the alleged transmission of these messages through foreign ministry officials as clearly wrongful, especially after a recent Supreme Court ruling.

“

I will speak to you next time.

Just the previous day, the Supreme Court affirmed that former President Yoon's actions in ordering the creation and distribution of false press releases about martial law to foreign media after its lifting constituted abuse of power. The special prosecutor's team believes this ruling solidifies the case against Kim Tae-hyo for his alleged role in disseminating pro-martial law messages abroad.

The court's decision on the arrest warrant is anticipated by late night or early morning. The allegations center on Kim's alleged involvement in framing martial law in a positive light to international partners during a critical period in South Korean history.

“

Since the Supreme Court confirmed yesterday that the government's statement regarding the emergency martial law was incorrect, it has become clear that it was wrong for Kim Tae-hyo to spread messages justifying martial law abroad through foreign ministry officials.