Former South Korean Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun Indicted for Insurrection and Abuse of Power Over December 3 Martial Law Declaration

Dec 27, 2024, 06:59 AM

Former South Korean Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun has been indicted on charges of insurrection and abuse of power related to his involvement in the December 3 martial law declaration. Prosecutors allege that Kim played a key role in urging President Yoon Suk Yeol to declare martial law and led military actions during the incident. His legal team has stated that Kim drafted the martial law proclamation and included a curfew clause, which was later removed at the president's instruction. They also acknowledged that Kim directed an investigation into alleged election fraud, which involved the formation of a special task force. The indictment was officially announced on December 27, 2024, with prosecutors emphasizing the gravity of the charges against Kim and mentioning the implications for President Yoon's actions during the crisis.