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Former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun Pleads 'Double Jeopardy' in First Trial Over Military Intelligence Unit Roster Leak
First Hearing Commences: Former Defense Minister Accused in Connection with Emergency Martial Law Proclamation Plan
Kim Yong-hyun, former Minister of National Defense, appeared at his first public trial on March 11th, held at the Seoul Central District Court, Criminal Division 21 (Presiding Judge Cho Soon-pyo). He faces charges under the Military Criminal Act for leaking military secrets and violating the Personal Information Protection Act. The prosecution, in its statement of charges, asserted that Kim, around mid-October 2024, planned to establish a Second Investigation Unit under a joint investigation headquarters, utilizing military intelligence personnel upon the proclamation of emergency martial law. In this process, the prosecution stated that Kim intended to provide personal information rosters of military intelligence agents to Noh Sang-won, former commander of the Defense Intelligence Command, who was then a civilian. This was allegedly for the purpose of investigating suspicions of election fraud and arresting and detaining National Election Commission officials without warrants.
Defendant Alleges 'Double Jeopardy and Procedural Illegality,' Court Dismisses
Lee Ha-sang, attorney for former Minister Kim Yong-hyun, argued that the current prosecution constitutes double jeopardy as it is already covered by another case, and that there were procedural violations in the secondment of a prosecutor to handle the case. He further emphasized that the information provided did not constitute leaking military secrets as it was shared among internal personnel assisting or performing duties, rather than with a third party or foreign entity. He also contended that the individuals involved did not hold the status of personal information handlers under the Personal Information Protection Act. The defense attorney strongly objected to the prosecution's "piecemeal prosecution," expressing the unfairness of proceeding with the trial. However, the court found no merit in the defense's procedural objections, dismissed them, and decided to proceed with the trial.
Future Trial Schedule Coordination and Call for Swift Proceedings
The court urged both parties to cooperate for a swift trial, designating the next hearing dates as 2 PM on March 17th and 2 PM on March 31st. The defense attorney stated that he had insufficient time to review the indictment and evidentiary records, having received them on December 19th and March 9th, respectively. He expressed the need for more time for evidence submission, including delegated documents related to the Special Prosecutor Act, and for witness examination procedures. The court reminded both parties that, according to the Special Prosecutor Act, trials are generally expected to conclude within six months, once again requesting prompt review and cooperation.
*Source: YouTube: JTBC News (2026-03-11)*
