Former South Korean Prime Minister Arrested Over Martial Law Controversy

In South Korea, former Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn and former National Intelligence Service (NIS) chief Cho Tae-yong have been arrested over the military law declaration in December 2024.

The state news agency Yonhap reported that on Wednesday, Hwang Kyo-ahn was detained for “inciting rebellion,” while Cho Tae-yong was arrested for “violating intelligence laws and dereliction of duty.”

Following the military law declaration, former Prime Minister Hwang had posted on Facebook calling for the arrest of the National Assembly Speaker and demanded the “eradication of electoral fraudsters.” Meanwhile, Cho Tae-yong is accused of being aware of the military law plans but failing to inform the National Assembly.

The main accused in the military coup, former President Yoon Suk-yeol, is currently under trial in prison. New allegations have been made against him that he attempted to secretly send drones into North Korea to create conflict and legitimise his military rule. While in power, Yoon had also tried to seize the parliament by deploying troops but failed. This incident made him the first serving South Korean president to be arrested. His wife, Kim Keon-hee, is also in prison facing corruption charges.

GLIVE/TSN