In a gripping courtroom revelation, Army Colonel Kim Hyun-tae and other senior military officials provided testimony regarding their actions during a tense night at the parliament building. Ordered by their commander, Kwak Jong-geun, Colonel Kim and approximately 97 special forces troops were deployed to the site where lawmakers had gathered to vote on lifting martial law. The command was clear: prevent more than 150 lawmakers from assembling.
The backdrop of the event was a decisive moment in South Korean politics. Lawmakers had convened to vote down a martial law decree, an action requiring at least 150 participants. Kwak Jong-geun, who led the Army Special Warfare Command, faced orders to ensure that the necessary quorum could not be reached. Despite Kwak's efforts, 190 lawmakers eventually breached the military cordon to reject President Yoon's martial law.
Colonel Kim disclosed that he was unaware of the importance of the number 150 at that time. He relayed to his commander that his troops were unable to gain entry into the chamber. Kwak's testimony further implicated President Yoon, who allegedly instructed him to "drag out" lawmakers, though Yoon has consistently denied any illicit intentions or plans to detain politicians.
"My mission was to blockade the parliament building and the members' hall, and secure those buildings" – Army Colonel Kim Hyun-tae
Yoon, currently imprisoned and facing charges of insurrection, maintains his innocence against accusations of attempting to arrest lawmakers. Meanwhile, Kwak testified that Yoon's directives excluded any protective measures for civilians or instructions to retreat.
The courtroom proceedings have cast a spotlight on the dramatic events of that night, raising questions about military involvement in political matters. The testimonies offer a closer examination of the chain of command and directives issued under martial law conditions.
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