Police Commanders Including Joo Jinwoo Testify in Rebellion Trial
"Despite Raising Concerns... Orders Were Given Again"
Regarding the lockdown of the National Assembly on the day of the 12·3 emergency martial law, key police officials who appeared as witnesses stated that the complete restriction of access to the National Assembly was carried out under the orders of Police Commissioner Jo Ji-ho and former Seoul Police Commissioner Kim Bong-sik.
Former Commissioner General of Police Jo Ji-ho, who was indicted on charges of engaging in important duties related to the internal rebellion during the December 3 emergency martial law incident, is heading to the courtroom to attend the continued first trial held at the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul on the 31st. 2025. 03. 31 Photo by Yoon Dong-ju
On the 31st, the Criminal Division 25 of the Seoul Central District Court (Presiding Judge Ji Gwi-yeon) held a trial session for four police commanders accused of participating in the rebellion, including Commissioner Jo, former Commissioner Kim, former Police Agency National Investigation Headquarters Investigation Planning Coordinator Yoon Seung-young, and former National Assembly Security Commander Mok Hyun-tae, and heard such testimonies.
Former Seoul Police Security Department Chief Joo Jin-woo said, "There was controversy over Martial Law Proclamation No. 1 banning political activities, but then Seoul Police Safety Division Chief Choi Hyun-seok appeared and said, 'In emergencies, the proclamation has legal effect.'" He added, "After hearing that, former Commissioner Kim made a conclusion, saying, 'This is Commissioner Jo's order,' waving his hand dismissively while holding the radio and saying we must follow the proclamation."
There was a dispute among those gathered at the Seoul Police Situation Command Center during the martial law period. When former Chief Choi, a legal professional who passed the bar exam, mentioned that the proclamation should take precedence, former Commissioner Kim reportedly gave direct instructions via radio, according to the testimony.
Furthermore, when asked by the prosecution whether it was unusual for the Seoul Police Commissioner to give direct orders rather than through the Security and Safety Division Chief, former Security Department Chief Joo replied, "Yes." When the prosecution asked, "Commissioners Jo and Kim had three phone calls between 11:18 p.m. and 11:23 p.m. Did Commissioner Jo give any orders?" former Security Department Chief Joo said, "I think so." However, when asked whether there was a wartime, emergency, or national crisis situation on the day of martial law, he said, "I was not aware of any."
Former Seoul Police Public Safety Division Chief Oh Bu-myung (currently Gyeongbuk Police Commissioner) testified that he raised concerns about the second lockdown of the National Assembly, but was told to follow the instructions again. He said, "Through Police Agency Security Bureau Chief Lim Jeong-ju, I received orders to 'fully block the National Assembly again as the proclamation has been issued. This is Commissioner Jo Ji-ho's order,' and I conveyed this to former Commissioner Kim."
He added, "When I called Chief Lim after the second lockdown, I said, 'Even if there is a proclamation, blocking lawmakers' access is problematic. Please reconsider and make a recommendation.' But Chief Lim said, 'We have no choice as this is the Police Agency's order. Do it as is,' and the second lockdown was maintained."
Director Lim Jeong-ju also appeared as a witness and, when asked whether the second lockdown of the National Assembly was a measure by Jo Ji-ho and Kim Bong-sik, explained, "Around 11:34 p.m., I saw Commissioner Jo holding the proclamation, and it was later reported in the media. I called Seoul Police and told them to control access, and I remember conveying this to former Chief Oh."
Former Seoul Police Chief Kim Bong-sik is responding during the 8th hearing of President Yoon Seok-yeol's impeachment trial held at the Constitutional Court in Jongno-gu, Seoul on February 13, 2025. Photo by Constitutional Court
Former Commissioner Jo is accused of blocking the National Assembly and the National Election Commission facilities by mobilizing police forces during martial law under President Yoon's orders. Former Coordinator Yoon is accused of receiving a request for support from Lee Hyun-il, Investigation Planning Chief of the National Investigation Headquarters, for the Counterintelligence Command's arrest attempt and arrest team formation, reporting it to Commissioner Jo, and receiving approval and instructions. Former Security Commander Mok is accused of ordering the blocking of all civilians, including lawmakers, from entering the National Assembly on two occasions as the person responsible for National Assembly security.
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