Special prosecutor seeks arrest warrant for ex-security advisor over martial law justification

South Korea's special prosecutor has requested an arrest warrant for Kim Tae-hyo, the former first deputy chief of the National Security Office. The charges relate to alleged communication with allies, including the United States, to justify the imposition of martial law on December 3, 2024. Prosecutors claim Kim conveyed messages to then-U.S. Ambassador Philip Goldberg, arguing that martial law was unavoidable to combat "anti-state forces" that were allegedly undermining South Korea's judicial and administrative systems through "legislative dictatorship." The special prosecutor's office indicated that Kim, along with Shin Won-sik, another former official, acted on the instructions of then-President Yoon Suk-yeol. While an arrest warrant was sought for Kim on charges of participating in rebellion and abuse of power, the office decided not to seek one for Shin, citing his comparatively lesser involvement.

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The special prosecutor's office stated Kim allegedly persuaded the then-U.S. ambassador to South Korea about the necessity of martial law.