Former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun Waives Warrant Hearing... Court to Decide on Detention on the Afternoon of the 10th

Former Minister of National Defense Kim Yong-hyun, who proposed and led the declaration of martial law to President Yoon Suk-yeol, faced detention on the 10th. Kim refused to attend the pre-arrest detention hearing (warrant review).

Former Minister of National Defense Kim Yong-hyun

According to the legal community, in a statement released through his attorney from the law firm Daeryuk Aju on the same day, he said, "I deeply apologize for causing great anxiety and inconvenience to the public," and added, "I will forgo the warrant review."

Kim stated, "I take full responsibility for all matters related to this incident," and "The subordinate soldiers were only faithful to my orders and assigned duties, so I ask for leniency toward them." He also added, "I hope you will pray for the future of the Republic of Korea."

The prosecution is understood to have specified in Kim's arrest warrant that he conspired with President Yoon to commit treason aimed at disrupting the constitutional order (engaging in important duties related to rebellion). If the arrest warrant for Kim is issued, a comprehensive investigation is expected to be conducted into President Yoon, the ultimate commander of the rebellion, as well as the military and police leadership who cooperated in the enforcement of martial law.

The Seoul Central District Court had originally scheduled a warrant review hearing for Kim at 3 p.m. on the same day, presided over by Judge Nam Cheon-gyu of the Seoul Central District Court. Since Kim declined the hearing, the decision on detention is expected to be made based on the prosecution’s attendance alone or through a written review of the evidence submitted by the prosecution.