Key facts
- Former Principal Deputy National Security Adviser Kim Tae-hyo was arrested on July 10, 2026.
- An arrest warrant was issued by the Seoul Central District Court.
- Kim is accused of playing a key role in an insurrection and abusing his authority.
- He allegedly helped justify former President Yoon Suk Yeol's declaration of martial law in 2024.
- Kim allegedly used foreign affairs officials to send messages to allied countries regarding the martial law declaration.
SEOUL, July 10 (Yonhap) -- A former senior security adviser to former President Yoon Suk Yeol was arrested Friday over his alleged role in the ousted president's failed 2024 martial law bid. The Seoul Central District Court issued an arrest warrant for former Principal Deputy National Security Adviser Kim Tae-hyo after conducting a hearing to review the warrant request, citing concerns that he could destroy evidence.
Kim is accused of helping justify Yoon's declaration of martial law by allegedly using foreign affairs officials to send messages to the United States and other allied countries shortly after the decree was issued on Dec. 3, 2024. The messages reportedly described the declaration as a move intended to protect liberal democracy and a response to the National Assembly's efforts to paralyze the executive branch.
Kim declined to answer reporters' questions about the allegations when he arrived at the Seoul Central District Court for the hearing. Special counsel Kwon Chang-young's team filed for Kim's arrest warrant Tuesday on charges of playing a key role in an insurrection and abusing his authority.