Special Prosecutors Investigate Former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun

The second special investigation team, led by Special Prosecutor Kwon Chang-young, has begun an inquiry into former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun regarding the so-called 'Noh Sang-won notebook.'

On the morning of July 28, the special prosecutors visited the Seoul Eastern Detention Center to question Kim, who is under investigation for conspiracy to commit murder for insurrection.

Kim is accused of conspiring with former Army Intelligence Commander Noh Sang-won to eliminate opposition figures, including prominent politicians, during the planning and preparation of the 12·3 martial law.

Noh allegedly listed names of 'A-level' targets in the notebook, including President Lee Jae-myung, former President Moon Jae-in, former Supreme Court Chief Justice Kim Myung-soo, and former Constitutional Court Justice Kwon Soon-il.

The notebook also contained notes on measures regarding these individuals, such as 'establishing a collection facility in Yeonpyeong' and 'moving to Yeonpyeong to raise security awareness.'

The special prosecutors are pressing Kim to clarify whether the contents of Noh's notebook went beyond mere ideas and whether he directed or received reports on actual plans or preparations.

Initially, the special prosecutors had planned to summon Kim for questioning on July 19, but the meeting was canceled after Kim's side did not comply.

Previously, the insurrection special investigation team, led by Special Prosecutor Jo Eun-seok, also viewed the notebook as key evidence of the insurrection plan but could not clarify the specifics of its creation due to Noh's silence.

Noh has either refused to testify before the special prosecutors or in court, claiming that the notes were merely a record of simple ideas.

The comprehensive special investigation team, which took over the case, has identified the Marine Corps facility in Yeonpyeong as the 'collection facility' but is reportedly still facing challenges in proving the allegations.