Politics · South Korea · 11 hrs ago
Seoul court acquits eight former military officials over martial law case
A Seoul court acquitted eight former military officials on charges linked to South Korea’s failed martial law bid in December 2024.
Two former generals, Koo Sam-hoe and Bang Jeong-hwan, had met a retired intelligence commander at a fast-food restaurant in Ansan hours before President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law.
Prosecutors accused the pair of taking roles in a plan to investigate election fraud allegations, and sought seven-year prison terms for each.
The court said prosecutors had not proved they intended to undermine the Constitution or that the two knew the plan’s specific details.
The other six officials were accused of sending troops to the National Assembly, election watchdog and a polling agency during martial law.
The special counsel said it would appeal the verdict.
A Seoul court acquitted eight former military officials charged over actions linked to former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s failed martial law bid.
The Seoul Central District Court said prosecutors had not proved the officials intended to subvert the Constitution.
Two former generals were accused of discussing martial law plans at a fast-food restaurant hours before Yoon’s declaration on Dec. 3, 2024.
The other six were accused of sending troops to the National Assembly, the election watchdog and an opinion polling agency.
Special counsel Cho Eun-suk’s team said it would appeal the ruling.
- Who
- Eight former military officials, including former generals Koo Sam-hoe and Bang Jeong-hwan.
- What
- They were acquitted of charges linked to martial law planning and the deployment of troops.
- When
- The ruling was issued on Oct. 30, 2026.
- Where
- Seoul Central District Court, in Seoul, South Korea.
- Why
- The court said prosecutors had not proved the officials intended to subvert the Constitution.
Seoul Central District Court
Special counsel Cho Eun-suk’s team
Intent
Seoul Central District Court
The court found that intent to subvert the Constitution had not been proved.
Special counsel Cho Eun-suk’s team
The special counsel sought seven-year prison terms for Koo Sam-hoe and Bang Jeong-hwan over their alleged roles.
Appeal
Seoul Central District Court
The court acquitted all eight officials.
Special counsel Cho Eun-suk’s team
The special counsel said it would appeal the ruling.
Koo Sam-hoe and Bang Jeong-hwan met a retired intelligence commander at a fast-food restaurant in Ansan, hours before Yoon declared martial law.
Yoon declared martial law, and troops were sent to locations including the National Assembly and the election watchdog.
The Seoul Central District Court acquitted all eight former military officials.
The special counsel said it would appeal the acquittals.
- Officials acquitted
- 8 former military officials
- Former generals
- Koo Sam-hoe and Bang Jeong-hwan
- Court
- Seoul Central District Court
- Meeting location
- A fast-food restaurant in Ansan, south of Seoul
- Martial law declaration
- Dec. 3, 2024
- Special counsel’s requested sentences
- 7 years for each of Koo and Bang
5 sources
What people are saying
The intent to commit insurrection or the purpose of disrupting the constitutional order cannot be recognized.
We will appeal.