Martial Law Message Kim Tae-hyo Preparation Date; Kang Ui-goo 2nd Sentence; Hyun Woo-jin Verdict

Next week is set to be recorded as a 'judicial week,' featuring the trial schedules of key figures from the martial law declaration and core government officials, including the first appeal hearing for First Lady Kim Gun-hee on the 26th.

According to the legal community on the 23rd, the Criminal Division 15-3 of the Seoul High Court (Presiding Judges Seong Eon-ju, Won Ik-seon, Lee Hee-jun) will hold the first hearing of Kim Gun-hee's appeal trial on the 26th. She was indicted on charges of receiving luxury goods worth approximately 300 million won, including necklaces and earrings, under the pretense of mediating requests for personnel appointments and favors before and after the launch of the Yoon Suk Yeol government, in violation of the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes. She was sentenced to seven years in prison by the first trial in June. The first instance court found her guilty on all counts: receiving jewelry worth 108 million won from Seohwa & Construction Chairman Lee Bong-kwan in exchange for a job recommendation for her eldest son-in-law; receiving a watch worth 39.9 million won from businessman Mr. Seo in exchange for business support; and receiving a painting worth 140 million won from former Senior Prosecutor Kim Sang-min in exchange for a nomination request. Kim's side has maintained a stance of not guilty, claiming she did not receive money or that there were no specific requests in exchange.

Trials related to the December 3 emergency martial law also continue. On the 26th, the 38-2 Criminal Division of the Seoul Central District Court (Presiding Judges Jeong Su-young, Choi Young-gak, Jang Seong-jin) will hold the first preparation hearing for former Deputy National Security Adviser Kim Tae-hyo, who was detained and indicted on charges of promoting the legitimacy of martial law to key allies such as the U.S. immediately after the declaration. The independent counsel team (Team 2) determined that former Deputy Director Kim conveyed a message to foreign affairs officials stating, 'This measure is to protect liberal democracy.' Former Deputy Director Kim, who was detained during the investigation stage, filed a writ of habeas corpus, but the court dismissed it, stating, 'There is no reason for the request.'

On the 24th, the Criminal Division 12-3 of the Seoul High Court (Presiding Judges Kim Min-ah, Lee Seung-chul, Cho Jin-goo) will hold the sentencing hearing for former Presidential Secretary for General Affairs Kang Ui-goo, who was indicted for writing a 'post-martial law declaration' related to the emergency martial law. During the previous hearing for final arguments, the independent counsel team (for insurrection) sought a five-year prison term. Former Secretary Kang is charged with writing the cover page of the martial law decree marked 'December 3' after the declaration and receiving approval from former President Yoon Suk Yeol, former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, and former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun. The first trial found him guilty of forging official documents and destroying documents, sentencing him to one year and six months in prison.

The final argument hearing for former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo on charges of dereliction of duty, presided over by the 33rd Criminal Division of the Seoul Central District Court (Chief Judge Lee Jin-gwan), will be held on the 28th. During this session, the independent counsel team's final arguments, sentencing request, and the defendant's final statement will take place. The sentencing was originally scheduled for the hearing on the 20th but was delayed due to the lengthy questioning of the defendant. Former Prime Minister Han is charged with failing to appoint Constitutional Court judge candidates recommended by the National Assembly while serving as Acting President following former President Yoon's impeachment, and for nominating Ham Sang-hoon and Lee Wan-gyu as Constitutional Court justices without proper vetting.

In addition, on the 26th, the first sentencing trial for Hyun Woo-jin, a 'top-tier instructor' who was referred to trial for paying incumbent teachers to obtain College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT) questions, will be held. On the same day, the first trial hearing for musical actor Nam Kyung-ju, who was indicted on charges of sexually assaulting a student, will also proceed.