Former JCS Chairman Kim Myung-soo's Insurrection Trial Begins... Denies All Charges
Trial over military troop deployment during the Dec. 3 martial law declaration, key issues in the case against former JCS Chairman Kim Myung-soo The constitutionality and scope of command authority are the key points—quickly check the issues in the first trial
The first trial of former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Kim Myungsoo and the former leadership of the JCS, who were indicted on charges of involvement in the operation of military forces during the December 3 martial law, was held on the 1st at the Seoul Central District Court. All of the defendants denied the charges.
Former Chairman Kim is accused of raising the military's alert status at the time, cooperating in setting up the martial law situation room within the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and being involved in measures related to the withdrawal of forces deployed to the National Assembly. Also indicted together, former Deputy Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Jeong Jinpal, former Army Headquarters Policy Director Kim Heungjoon, and former JCS Deputy Director for War Preparedness Inspection Lee Jaesik are also accused of being involved in organizing the martial law situation room and martial law command, as well as discussions on the additional deployment of troops.
The defense argued that they had merely carried out routine staff duties without knowing the martial law was unconstitutional and illegal or that it was intended to subvert the Constitution. Before entering the courtroom, former Chairman Kim said he would find his honor in court based on the facts and the truth.
The court pointed out that there were contradictory or unclear parts in the special counsel's indictment, and requested that the key facts be made clearer, including the scope of command authority and the timing of any additional deployment of troops and police forces.