Special Prosecutor Requests Trial in Detention for Kim Hyun-tae in Sedition Case

The Sedition Special Prosecutor's team has submitted an opinion to the court requesting trial in detention for Kim Hyun-tae, former head of the 707 Special Mission Group, and five others, citing actions such as evidence tampering and public opinion distortion while not in detention. The Special Prosecutor's team claimed that Kim was a key perpetrator of the operation to neutralize the National Assembly during the Dec 3 emergency martial law, and has repeatedly engaged in evidence tampering, such as colluding with accomplices and attempting to sway/pressure witnesses, while not in detention. Furthermore, it pointed out that he has distorted public opinion and incited social division by justifying his insurrectionary actions through YouTube broadcasts and participation in rallies.

The Criminal Division 37-2 of the Seoul Central District Court held the first preparatory hearing for the charge of serving an important insurrectionary mission against Kim Hyun-tae, former head of the 707 Special Mission Group, and five others on March 19, 2025. Although they were initially tried in a military court, the case was transferred to the Seoul Central District Court at the request of the Special Prosecutor's team in January. They have all since been dismissed and are now being tried as civilians.

Kim's defense lawyer countered that the grounds for detention are not met, as the key evidence has already been secured, eliminating concerns about evidence tampering.

The court decided to proceed with witness examinations twice a week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, starting from the 16th of next month, following a trial renewal procedure on the 14th.