President Yoon Suk-yeol Discusses 'Emergency Martial Law' Nine Times with Kim Yong-hyun Starting March

Prosecutors: "Since March, Remarks Considering Martial Law at Official Residences and Government Quarters"

President Yoon Suk-yeol has made a total of nine remarks since March of this year with emergency martial law in mind. These remarks were made in the presence of former Minister of National Defense Kim Yong-hyun and former Commander of the Defense Counterintelligence Command Yeo In-hyung. From around November, he moved beyond mere remarks and began practical preparations.

According to the investigation results of former Minister of National Defense Kim Yong-hyun, announced by the Special Investigation Headquarters of the Prosecutor's Office on the 27th, President Yoon first mentioned emergency powers around the end of March this year. At that time, at a private residence in Samcheong-dong, the President said, "There is no other way but to overcome this through emergency powers." Former Minister Kim and former Commander Yeo were present at this meeting. In May, he questioned, "Is there no way to normalize the country other than emergency powers or emergency measures?" This was at a gathering at the private residence in Samcheong-dong attended by former Minister Kim and former Commander Yeo.

In August, he specifically mentioned politicians and members of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU). President Yoon stated, "Under the current judicial system, emergency measures must be used to take action against these people." Former Minister Kim and former Commander Yeo also heard this remark made at the presidential residence. After the military parade on October 1, National Armed Forces Day, he discussed emergency powers with former Minister Kim, mentioning leftist forces, politicians, and the media.

From November 9, the intensity of his remarks increased. At the National Defense Minister's official residence, where former Minister Kim and former Commander Yeo were present, President Yoon said, "There is no solution other than a special method." On the 24th of the same month, at the presidential residence, he emphasized the necessity of emergency martial law, saying, "'Is this a country? It must be corrected. Drastic measures are needed. The National Assembly is acting outrageously.'

Accordingly, emergency martial law entered the stage of full implementation. From November 25 to December 1, at the National Defense Minister's official residence, former Minister Kim drafted the declaration of martial law, a public address to the nation, and a proclamation order.

On November 30, at a meeting with former Minister Kim, President Yoon stated, "Only by using the constitutional emergency powers and emergency authority can this crisis be resolved." At the Ministry of National Defense residence, President Yoon said, "To correct the country, the President must inevitably use the constitutional emergency powers, such as emergency measures and martial law," and "Martial law may be declared soon."

Accordingly, on December 1, at the presidential residence, when meeting with former Minister Kim, President Yoon asked, "If martial law is declared now, how is troop mobilization being handled? What is needed if martial law is declared?" Former Minister Kim's side replied, "If only a small number are deployed, about 3,000 to 5,000 personnel from the Special Forces and the Capital Defense Command are available."