Ex-commander allegedly threatened death penalty for curfew violation

Prosecutors investigating alleged sedition have obtained testimony indicating that former Army Ground Operations Commander Kang Ho-pil stated that violating a martial law curfew order could lead to a death sentence in wartime. The special prosecutor's team, led by Kwon Chang-young, reportedly secured this statement from individuals responsible for reporting on military situations within units under Kang's command during the December 3 martial law period.

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If you violate the curfew order, you will be executed in wartime.

According to the testimony, Kang allegedly made the remarks during a video conference with corps commanders on December 4, shortly before the National Assembly voted to lift martial law. The prosecution views this statement as evidence that Kang actively encouraged subordinate commanders to enforce an unconstitutional and illegal curfew order, thereby participating in sedition.

Kang Ho-pil, however, denies making such statements. He was previously arrested on charges of involvement in sedition, but the court denied the arrest warrant request. The court cited that the evidence was debatable and that there was no indication Kang would flee or destroy evidence. The court also questioned whether simply following martial law manuals constituted active participation in sedition.

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The court stated that there is room for debate regarding the charges and that it is difficult to conclude that there is a risk of evidence destruction or flight.

Despite the court's decision, the special prosecution team maintains its stance. They are also investigating whether Kang inquired about the deployment readiness of the 2nd Rapid Response Division around the same time. This inquiry, coupled with a phone call Kang had with former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, leads the prosecution to suspect Kang might have been considering troop deployment under Kim's direction. Kang has consistently denied prior knowledge of or involvement in the martial law execution.

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The special prosecution team believes that the statement about the death penalty for violating the curfew order and the review of the 2nd Rapid Response Division's deployment go beyond simple manual implementation and constitute active participation in sedition.