Former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun / Yonhap
Former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun on Tuesday forwent a court hearing that would review an arrest warrant against him over insurrection and other charges in connection with the botched martial law imposition, people close to him said Tuesday.
Kim reportedly delivered his decision to the prosecution Monday, and his legal counsel submitted the legal papers required to skip the process.
Without Kim's presence, a Seoul court held an arraignment hearing to decide whether to issue the writ for Kim over his role in the short-lived martial law declaration by Yoon.
The hearing lasted 20 minutes.
Announcing the decision to waive the hearing, Kim issued a public apology through his legal counsel.
"I deeply apologize for causing great anxiety and inconvenience to the people," Kim said in a statement.
"All responsibility for this situation lies solely with me. My subordinates were simply faithful in following my orders and the missions that were given to them. I ask for leniency for them," Kim said.
"Please pray for the future of the free Republic of Korea. I will forgo the warrant review," he said.
Kim is suspected of having colluded with Yoon to stage a rebellion as Yoon declared emergency martial law last Tuesday, which was rejected by the National Assembly and lifted hours later.
Kim reportedly conceded during the probe that he proposed martial law to Yoon but claimed his actions were neither illegal nor unconstitutional.
The court is expected to make the decision on Kim's arrest late Tuesday or early Wednesday. (Yonhap)
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