Former Security Aide Kim Tae-hyo Arrested for Justifying Martial Law Messages to Allies

Former National Security First Deputy Chief Kim Tae-hyo has been arrested on charges of justifying martial law to allied nations immediately after its declaration.

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There is a risk of evidence tampering.

A Seoul court issued an arrest warrant for Kim, citing the risk of evidence tampering. The special prosecutor's office alleges that Kim, following an order from then-President Yoon Suk-yeol in December 2024, mobilized foreign ministry officials to send messages to countries like the United States. These messages reportedly claimed the martial law was a measure to "protect liberal democracy" and a "political demonstration within constitutional limits."

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This measure is to protect liberal democracy.

The arrest comes after a Supreme Court ruling that declared the government's statement on the emergency martial law invalid. Special Prosecutor Kwon Chang-young's office is investigating Kim's actions, with Special Prosecutor's Assistant Kwon Young-bin stating that the Supreme Court's decision confirmed the government's prior statement was incorrect. The context of the messages and Kim's alleged role in disseminating them are central to the ongoing investigation.

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The martial law is a political demonstration within constitutional limits.