Seoul: Former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun on Thursday dismissed allegations against President Yoon Suk Yeol regarding the brief imposition of martial law, as he testified in support of the president during Yoon's impeachment trial. Kim, currently detained for his involvement in the December 3 martial law declaration, spoke at the Constitutional Court during the trial's fourth hearing, where President Yoon was also present.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Kim confirmed under questioning by Yoon's legal team that the president had ordered a "small number" of troops to be mobilized, contrary to Kim's advice to deploy up to 60,000 troops to enforce martial law. Kim stated, "It was different from my thinking but because it was President Yoon's order, I respected it and prepared for it," emphasizing that he queried the president about the nature of the martial law.
During the proceedings, President Yoon refuted accusations that the martial law was a failure, explaining that it ended sooner than anticipated due to the National Assembly's swift demand for its termination. He asserted that his command to mobilize troops was "legal" and executed lawfully by the military.
Kim faces accusations of recommending martial law to President Yoon and drafting the associated decree. He denied allegations that Yoon instructed troops to storm the National Assembly to prevent lawmakers from voting against the decree, stating that the president intended for troops to monitor potential disruptions and allow selective entry.
The former minister disclosed that he initially directed troops to the main opposition Democratic Party's headquarters and a polling agency, but rescinded the orders following Yoon's directives. Kim also admitted to altering the decree by removing a curfew provision after Yoon expressed concerns about the inconvenience to the public.
Furthermore, Kim acknowledged passing a note to Finance Minister and acting President Choi Sang-mok to form an "emergency legislative body" on the martial law declaration day. He clarified that the instruction was from his staff and not initiated by Yoon, and mentioned his request to the finance ministry to secure reserve funds for potential budget requirements during martial law enforcement.
President Yoon is currently detained following a court-issued warrant for his formal arrest. This marks his second appearance at the trial, which he attended via a convoy from the Seoul Detention Center. During a previous hearing, Yoon denied ordering the removal of lawmakers from the National Assembly amidst the martial law efforts. His legal team has indicated that Yoon will attend all forthcoming hearings if feasible.