SEOUL, December 06 (AJP) - South Korea’s former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun is facing investigation over his role in a controversial Dec. 3 martial law declaration that was swiftly overturned by the National Assembly.
The incident has raised questions about the motivations behind the declaration and the extent of Kim's involvement.
A graduate of Chungam High School, from which President Yoon Suk Yeol also graduated, Kim's career trajectory includes stints as a defense and security advisor and the head of the Presidential Security Service. His appointment as defense minister in September 2022 further elevated his profile.
During the brief period of martial law, military commanders were placed on high alert, special forces were deployed, and the National Assembly’s activities were suspended. Army Chief of Staff Park An-soo, who was designated as the martial law commander, issued a decree implementing these measures.
The declaration has sparked controversy, particularly due to the involvement of multiple officials with ties to Chungam High School. Defense Security Command Commander Yeo In-hyeong and Interior Minister Lee Sang-min are also alumni of the school.
Chungam High School's board chairman, Yoon Myung-hwa, expressed deep disappointment, calling Kim and President Yoon the school’s "most shameful graduates." The chairman revealed that the school had been inundated with protest calls and that some alumni were even petitioning to change the school’s name.
As investigations continue, prosecutors have imposed a travel ban on Kim, who is reportedly now staying at his residence in Seoul. Interior Minister Lee has denied any coordination among Chungam alumni in relation to the martial law declaration.
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