Former Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Kim Myung-soo and key members of the martial law command denied charges of insurrection during their first court appearance. They are accused of involvement in the establishment of the martial law command and justifying the deployment of armed forces to the National Assembly.
The Seoul Central District Court's Criminal Division 37-2, presided over by Judges Oh Chang-seob, Ryu Chang-seong, and Jang Seong-hoon, held the hearing on charges against Kim, former Vice Chairman Jeong Jin-pal, former Army Headquarters Policy Director Kim Heung-jun, and former Joint Chiefs of Staff Readiness Inspection Director Lee Jae-sik.
The Special Investigation Team, led by Special Prosecutor Kwon Chang-young, read the indictment, stating that Kim insisted on raising the military's alert level to a second degree immediately after the declaration of martial law, thereby giving a military nature to the emergency situation. He allegedly ordered the Capital Defense Command and Special Warfare Command to prioritize the martial law command's mission, justifying the illegal actions of the martial law forces as directed by the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
The prosecution criticized Kim for ignoring recommendations from his staff to withdraw troops and failing to fulfill his duty to stop the illegal deployment of forces as the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
The prosecution also emphasized that Jeong and the other three staff members were key accomplices in drafting and disseminating the martial law proclamation, directing the increase of police forces, advising on the use of force, and attempting to deploy additional troops after the National Assembly's resolution to lift martial law.
In response, Kim's defense attorney stated, "We deny all charges," and indicated that a detailed rebuttal would be submitted in writing. Kim also spoke to reporters outside the courtroom, asserting, "The special prosecutor is making unilateral claims and distorting the facts, but I will restore my honor in court based on the facts and truth."
The defense teams for Jeong, Kim, and Lee also denied the charges, arguing that they were unaware of any unconstitutionality or illegality regarding the declaration of martial law and the issuance of the proclamation.
In particular, Jeong's defense team presented a PowerPoint presentation, stating, "A soldier who has dedicated 33 years to the nation has no motive to engage in insurrection," and claimed that they opposed violence, the use of weapons, and the deployment of additional troops, arguing that the special prosecutor distorted the context to bring charges.
Lee also stated during his remarks that he was unaware of any illegal intent or purpose and was merely performing routine staff duties as directed by superiors.
After hearing both sides, the court noted several inconsistencies in the indictment regarding the issuance of expert orders and the incomplete legal nature of the charges. The court requested clarification on the military command structure, particularly whether the authority during the martial law period rested with the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
The court also pointed out the frequent use of phrases like 'three individuals (Jeong Jin-pal, Kim Heung-jun, Lee Jae-sik) did this' in the indictment and instructed the prosecution to provide more precise details on whether the three acted simultaneously or individually.
Additionally, the court conducted a closed on-site verification of the underground combat control room and operations meeting room at the Joint Chiefs of Staff, where the martial law command was established. Due to military security concerns, only members of the court were allowed entry, and the special prosecutor and defense teams did not attend.
The court explained that the results of the on-site verification would be used as reference rather than as primary direct evidence.
Furthermore, the court decided to separate the proceedings for the defendants based on the progress of hearings for those in custody and the efficiency of witness examinations.
The next hearing is scheduled for the 10th, where key witness Park An-soo, former martial law commander and former Army Chief of Staff, is expected to testify.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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