Former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun Sentenced to Three Years in Prison for Leaking Military Information

Kathmandu. A South Korean court has sentenced former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun to three years in prison in a case related to the controversial martial law imposed by former President Yoon Suk-yeol in 2024. The court found him guilty of improperly disclosing secret military information. According to the Seoul Central District Court, Kim provided sensitive military information to a civilian regarding a special team to be formed to investigate unproven election fraud claims raised by former President Yoon. The prosecution considered this a serious violation of national security regulations. During the hearing, the court concluded that although Kim's actions weakened the legal basis, they played a significant role in creating an environment for the declaration of martial law. The panel of judges, considering these activities as one of the main factors leading to the implementation of martial law, sentenced him to three years of imprisonment. Previously, prosecutors had demanded a five-year prison sentence for him.

Former President Yoon Suk-yeol declared martial law in December 2024, based on allegations of election irregularities. However, the decision was nullified by a vote in the National Assembly after members of parliament convened for an emergency meeting, rendering it ineffective for approximately six hours. This incident plunged the country into a serious political crisis.