Kim Yong-hyun "Martial Law Was for Free Republic of Korea... Present Evidence of Rebellion"

Second Prison Statement Released
"Martial Law to Eradicate Anti-State Forces"
"Performing Duties Deserving Respect"

Former Minister of National Defense Kim Yong-hyun, who was arrested on charges of leading the December 3rd insurrection, released his second statement from prison. Like his first statement, he continued to assert that "the execution of martial law duties was legitimate."

On the 19th, Kim issued the statement through his lawyer, claiming, "The December 3rd emergency martial law was imposed to eradicate anti-state forces and pass on a free Republic of Korea to future generations," and added, "It is well known that, according to Article 2 of the Martial Law Act, I, as the Minister of National Defense, proposed it, and the President declared martial law." He further stated, "Since I, as the minister, issued orders based on the President's declaration of martial law, the commanders and subordinate soldiers who carried out these orders bear no guilt," emphasizing, "It was an extremely legitimate and honorable execution of military duties."

Kim Yong-hyun, former Minister of National Defense. Photo by the National Assembly Press Photographers Group

He also criticized, "The prosecution, conducting illegal investigations, is distorting the legitimate duties of the Republic of Korea Armed Forces by selectively disclosing information to the media, insulting the military as if the entire national defense affairs, including the execution of martial law duties, were criminal acts," and pointed out, "No evidence or legal reasoning has been presented to explain how martial law constitutes an insurrection." He concluded, "The Republic of Korea Armed Forces continue to fulfill their mission to protect the Korean people today. It is very clear that the execution of martial law duties is a lawful execution of orders," adding, "The military is on the side of the people and will protect them from anti-state forces. I ask for your continued trust and support until the end."

Earlier, in his first statement on the 17th, Kim claimed, "This emergency martial law was intended to sound an alarm against the National Assembly's disruption of the constitutional order and acts equivalent to insurrection, and to resolve public suspicions regarding election fraud." He said, "It contained the President's precious intention to eradicate anti-state forces lurking in our society and hand over a proper country to future generations," and apologized, "I am sorry for not properly fulfilling the ambitions of the President and all of you." He also stated, "Three commanders who carried out the given missions under the minister's orders in accordance with the President's will are illegally detained. Many other subordinate soldiers are suffering due to illegal investigations," and urged, "Let us fight together until the end for the future of the Republic of Korea with a patriotic spirit. This is just the beginning. I will also fight until the end."

Meanwhile, since President Yoon's announcement of his statement on the 14th, Kim has continuously refused to testify and has not cooperated with the investigation. Accordingly, the Special Investigation Headquarters for Emergency Martial Law under the prosecution extended Kim's detention period until the 28th on the 16th.