26th December 2024 – (Seoul) Lawyers representing ex-Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun, under scrutiny for insurrection charges, asserted on Thursday that the brief imposition of martial law earlier in the month aimed to draw attention to the opposition parties’ alleged misuse of the democratic process.
Kim Yong-hyun, among the officials arrested, is poised to be the first facing indictment for his alleged pivotal role in President Yoon Suk Yeol’s sudden martial law decree on 3rd December.
During a press briefing, Kim’s legal team echoed President Yoon’s stance post-declaration, emphasizing the necessity of the move to root out elements seen as anti-state and threatening to democracy.
Lawyer Yoo Seung-soo highlighted that the martial law was a precautionary measure, noting the absence of casualties and the orderly withdrawal of troops post-revocation.
Moreover, the lawyers underscored President Yoon’s decision to override Kim’s proposal for a curfew as evidence of his benign intentions towards the public.
Rhee Ha-sang, another attorney, dismissed the insurrection allegations against Kim and Yoon as baseless, emphasising the president’s constitutional authority to implement martial law when deemed essential.
Kim, who attempted self-harm while in custody on 11th December, has taken responsibility for the concerns arising from the martial law declaration, denouncing the investigation as unlawful.
Following Yoon’s impeachment by parliament on 14th December, he faces a Constitutional Court trial to determine his reinstatement or removal from office. Yoon’s recent non-compliance with questioning and legal brief submissions has elicited criticism and demands for his arrest from the opposition.
