Arrested Ex-Defense Minister Drafted Martial Law with Curfew, President Yoon Ordered Its Removal Amid Impeachment

Dec 26, 2024, 02:14 AM

The legal team of former South Korean Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, who was arrested in connection with the December 3 martial law declaration, has revealed that he drafted the initial version of a martial law proclamation, which included a curfew for the public. However, President Yoon Suk Yeol ordered the removal of the curfew clause from the draft. This disclosure comes amidst an ongoing impeachment trial against President Yoon, centered on his brief declaration of martial law on December 3. Kim's lawyers have defended the martial law decree, arguing it was necessary to address anti-state elements threatening the country's democracy. Kim attempted suicide while in detention on December 11. The controversy surrounding the martial law declaration led to President Yoon's impeachment by parliament on December 14, with the outcome of his trial to be determined by the Constitutional Court.