Ex-defense minister takes responsibility for martial law

Jan 24, 2025, 07:06 am

		0
Former Minister of National Defense Kim Yong-hyun testifies at the fourth hearing of President Yoon Suk-yeol's impeachment trial at the Constitutional Court in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on January 23, 2025./ Provided by the Constitutional Court

AsiaToday reporters Kim Im-soo & Nam Mi-kyung

Former Minister of National Defense Kim Yong-hyun testified on Thursday at President Yoon Suk-yeol's impeachment trial, stating that he had written and delivered the "note to Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok," which contained instructions for budget allocation related to the National Emergency Legislative Body. Kim explained that the inclusion of a ban on political activities in the proclamation during the December 3 martial law declaration was intended as a warning without any intention of execution, and that President Yoon had little involvement.

Additionally, Kim emphasized that the deployment of military forces to the National Assembly after the declaration of martial law was for "maintaining order," and that the President had instructed the removal of agents not lawmakers.

During the fourth hearing of the impeachment trial, where President Yoon was present, Kim provided detailed explanations regarding the controversial issues of the National Emergency Legislative Body's establishment instructions, the drafting of the proclamation, and the background of the martial law declaration. This was the first meeting between President Yoon and Kim since the martial law incident, and the questioning proceeded without any barriers.

Kim admitted to writing the note for then Minister of Strategy and Finance Choi Sang-mok and delivering it through a working-level official, as he could not meet Choi directly. This aligned with President Yoon's statement during the third hearing last Tuesday, where he denied giving the note to Acting President Choi.

Kim also elaborated on the proclamation for the December 3 martial law declaration, stating that he had written it himself while staying at the official residence, referencing materials from the 2018 martial law document controversy and the events of October 26 and December 12. He mentioned that President Yoon had reviewed the proclamation and suggested removing the curfew as it would inconvenience the public.

Regarding the inclusion of a clause restricting National Assembly activities in the proclamation, Kim clarified that it was merely a warning without any intention of execution, and that there were no plans to enforce it. He added that President Yoon had not raised any issues with the clause.

Kim revealed that he had recommended deploying 3,000 to 5,000 troops to the National Assembly after the declaration of martial law, but President Yoon had instructed deploying only 250 troops for maintaining order. Kim expressed doubts about the feasibility of executing martial law with such a small force but respected and prepared for the President's directive. He also stated that while it is standard for military units to carry personal firearms and live ammunition during deployment, they did not carry them for safety reasons.

#Kim Yong-hyun #martial law #proclamation