Ex-defense chief to skip arrest warrant hearing over alleged collusion with Yoon

By Kim Joo-heon Posted : December 10, 2024, 10:42 Updated : December 10, 2024, 10:46
Former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun. /Yonhap
SEOUL, December 10 (AJP) - Former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun will not attend his arrest warrant hearing scheduled for Tuesday.

Prosecutors requested his arrest warrant the previous day for allegedly conspiring with President Yoon Suk Yeol in the abrupt declaration of martial law that shook the nation last week.

The warrant states that Kim allegedly colluded with Yoon to carry out the late-night mission last Tuesday, accusing him of abuse of authority and treason.

Prosecutors believe that Kim was involved in Yoon's martial law order, with Yoon orchestrating the night's mission.

Under South Korean law, treason offenses are classified into three categories: masterminds who orchestrate the actions, key contributors who play significant roles, and minor participants who provide some assistance, with legal punishments varying based on their level of involvement.

Kim, who reportedly proposed the botched plan to Yoon, is accused of mobilizing soldiers to storm the National Assembly and the National Election Commission's headquarters in Gwacheon, south of Seoul.

Kim was taken into emergency custody last Sunday and has been questioned since then.

The Seoul Central District Court is scheduled to review the warrant at 3 p.m.