707 Special Task Force Commander: "Troopers Are Victims Exploited by Kim Yong-hyun"

Commander of Unit 707 Leading the Operation to Enter the National Assembly on Martial Law Day
"I am an incompetent commander, drove the troops into a deadly situation"
"Please forgive the troops, I will take full responsibility"

Kim Hyun-tae, commander of the 707th Special Mission Group of the Army Special Warfare Command, who led the troops that entered the National Assembly during the declaration of martial law, stated that "all unit members are victims who were exploited by former Minister of National Defense Kim Yong-hyun."

On the morning of the 9th, Kim held a press conference in front of the War Memorial in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, saying, "I am an incompetent and irresponsible commander who drove my troops into a deadly situation." He explained that he originally intended to clarify his position at the National Assembly’s National Defense Committee but had no opportunity, so he voluntarily held the press conference. He added that he turned off his mobile phone and left secretly because he thought any request for orders or approval from superiors would be rejected.

He tearfully said, "All the unit members are victims," and "I hope the people will forgive us." He also emphasized, "Please allow me to bear all the sins and responsibilities," and "I do not know what kind of punishment will be imposed, but the military has its own regulations and laws, so I will accept the appropriate punishment."

Kim stated that he directly ordered the troops to enter the National Assembly during the martial law declaration, including ▲dispatching helicopters, ▲blocking the main gate, ▲engaging in physical confrontations with duty officers, and ▲breaking windows to enter the interior. He added, "At that time, I had no knowledge of martial law and did not know that the activities of the National Assembly should be guaranteed."

After a brief press conference, Kim told reporters, "On the day martial law was declared, Minister Kim Yong-hyun told the Special Warfare Command commander, and the commander told me, 'Watch TV.'" He also revealed that while deployed at the National Assembly, "I heard from the commander that there should not be more than 150 lawmakers inside."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.