Former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun Sentenced to Three Years in Prison for Controversial Martial Law Case

Kathmandu. A South Korean court has sentenced former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun to three years in prison in a case related to the controversial martial law implemented by former President Yoon Suk-yeol in 2024. The court found him guilty of improperly disclosing secret military information.

According to the Seoul Central District Court, Kim was found to have provided sensitive military information to a civilian regarding a special team to be formed to investigate unsubstantiated claims of electoral fraud raised by former President Yoon. The prosecution considered this a serious violation of national security regulations.

During the hearing, the court concluded that although Kim's actions had a weak legal basis, they played a significant role in creating an environment for the declaration of martial law. The panel of judges sentenced him to three years of imprisonment, considering the activities as one of the main factors leading to the implementation of martial law. Previously, prosecutors had demanded a five-year prison sentence for him.

Former President Yoon Suk-yeol declared martial law in December 2024, based on allegations of electoral irregularities. However, the decision was nullified within approximately six hours through a vote in the National Assembly after members of parliament convened for an emergency meeting. This incident plunged the country into a serious political crisis.

Following the declaration of martial law, nationwide protests intensified, financial markets declined, and even major partner nations of South Korea were surprised. Especially, allied countries including the United States expressed concern over the incident.

After the incident, former President Yoon was accused of leading a rebellion. Currently, while he is under appeal against a life imprisonment sentence after being found guilty, he is in custody.

Kim Yong-hyun was previously sentenced to 30 years in prison earlier this year in a separate case related to martial law. The latest verdict comes as part of further legal action against him.

Cases related to the martial law incident, considered the most controversial in South Korea's recent political history, are still pending in court. Recent verdicts indicate that judicial scrutiny on high-ranking political and security officials involved in the incident is intensifying.