A South Korean court has sentenced former 707th Special Mission Group commander Kim Hyun-tae to 12 years in prison for his role in the December martial law declaration, according to reports from Yonhap News TV. The former elite special forces leader was found guilty of entering the National Assembly on the day martial law was imposed.
Kim, who was taken into custody immediately following the verdict, had been charged with participating in the blockade and intrusion of the parliament building. The sentencing marks one of the most significant rulings yet in the ongoing legal proceedings against military officials involved in the martial law incident, Yonhap News TV reported.
The case stems from the short-lived martial law declaration, during which military units were deployed to the National Assembly. Kim, who later became a far-right YouTube personality, was among several former military commanders who have faced prosecution for their actions during that period.
According to coverage from Kookje Shinmun, courts have been handing down prison sentences to former military officers involved in the martial law episode, with judges emphasizing that punishment serves as a warning to prevent any future attempts at insurrection.
The verdict against Kim adds to a growing list of convictions tied to the martial law declaration. Legal observers are now watching whether appellate courts will uphold the sentences or adjust them as appeals proceed through the judicial system.
