First Lady Kim Keon-hee Testifies She Had No Prior Knowledge of '12.3' Martial Law Declaration

First Lady Kim Keon-hee testified that she was unaware of the '12.3' emergency martial law declaration in advance, appearing as a witness in the trial of former Justice Minister Park Sung-jae. During the proceedings at the Seoul Central District Court, when questioned about the martial law declaration, Ms. Kim stated that she had never heard anything about it from former President Yoon Suk-yeol.

Ms. Kim refused to testify on most matters during the witness examination. However, when directly questioned by the court, she responded to the effect that she had no prior knowledge of martial law.

Ms. Kim further added that she had no involvement in prosecutorial appointments or the appointment of former Minister Park during her tenure as First Lady. Meanwhile, First Lady Kim Keon-hee is also scheduled to appear as a witness in the trial of former President Yoon Suk-yeol concerning allegations of illegal opinion poll manipulation. This is expected to be the first time Ms. Kim and former President Yoon, as a couple, will face each other in court since their indictment.