People Power Party's Kim Yongtae: "Thought the President Was Out of His Mind After Seeing Military Helicopters on Martial Law Day"

Kim Yongtae, a member of the People Power Party, appeared at the trial of Assemblyman Chu Kyungho, who has been indicted on charges of insurrection related to the 12·3 Martial Law, and testified, "When I saw the helicopters deployed to the National Assembly, I thought that former President Yoon Suk-yeol was out of his mind."

Kim Yongtae, Member of the People Power Party. Photo by Jo Yongjun

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On April 17, during the trial of Assemblyman Chu's case on charges of participating in a critical mission of insurrection, held before the 34th Criminal Division of the Seoul Central District Court (presided over by Chief Judge Han Sungjin), Assemblyman Kim stated, "Even members of the People Power Party said, 'The president has lost his mind,' 'He made the wrong decision,' and 'Shouldn't we lift martial law quickly?'"

However, regarding the defendant, Assemblyman Chu, Kim said, "I believe he was not aware of the declaration of martial law in advance. Even if Assemblyman Chu had known about the declaration beforehand, he would have had nothing to gain by supporting martial law," adding, "Of course, I don't think he would have agreed with it."

Shin Dongwook, another member of the People Power Party, also stated, "If Assemblyman Chu had received instructions from the president, it would have shown on his face," adding, "However, even after his phone call with former President Yoon, Assemblyman Chu still appeared quite flustered."

At the time of martial law, Assemblyman Chu, who served as the floor leader of the People Power Party, is accused of interfering with the vote to lift martial law by repeatedly changing the location of the party caucus. Cho Eunseok, head of the special prosecution team for insurrection, indicted Assemblyman Chu without detention last December on charges of participating in a critical mission of insurrection.

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