Unveiling the Secret CCTV Footage in the Trial of Former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo
During the trial of former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who is charged with aiding an insurrection, a previously undisclosed 3rd-grade military secret CCTV video from the presidential office was revealed. The footage, captured on the night of December 3rd of last year, provides a detailed account of the movements and actions of former President Yoon Suk Yeol and State Council members before and after the emergency martial law declaration.
The 33rd Criminal Division of the Seoul Central District Court (Judge Lee Jin-kwan) held the second trial of Han on the 13th. The court allowed the special counsel team to broadcast the trial, ensuring that the entire proceeding was recorded and relayed. Plans are in place to film the courtroom with the court’s own cameras, remove audio, apply mosaic privacy measures, and publish the footage online for public access.
Evidence Investigation and Disclosure of the CCTV Footage
During the trial, evidence investigation into the presidential office CCTV footage from the day of the December 3rd emergency martial law was conducted, and the recording was disclosed. The video was initially stored by the Presidential Security Service on a portable storage device after the martial law declaration, following a police request for cooperation, and later handed over to prosecutors investigating former President Yoon. It was then transferred to the special counsel team.
The special counsel team submitted a document from the Presidential Security Service regarding the declassification of military secrets, and the court decided to disclose the video, stating, “This is interpreted as consent to the broadcast.”
The CCTV footage secured by the special counsel team was filmed from 5:59 p.m. on December 3rd of last year to 10:00 a.m. on the 4th, covering the reception room and corridor for 16 hours each, totaling 32 hours. The special counsel team edited only key parts, approximately 20 minutes, for evidence investigation. A portion of the footage from 8:14 p.m. to 11:05 p.m. on the 3rd, just before the martial law declaration, was shown in court.
Key Moments Captured in the CCTV Footage
One significant moment captured in the footage involved Han placing documents in his back pocket and Kim Yong-hyun showing ‘four fingers.’ According to the CCTV, Han left the presidential office after hearing the emergency martial law declaration plan from former President Yoon around 9:10 p.m. At that time, he was holding two types of documents. Around 9:47 p.m., State Council members, including former Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul and former Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Choi Sang-mok, were seen passing and reading the documents.
Another notable moment involved former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun counting on his fingers to meet the quorum for the Cabinet meeting. Around 9:14 p.m., the video showed Kim entering the reception room, extending four fingers on his right hand, and speaking to Han. This indicated that four more members were needed besides those present in the presidential office, confirming that Han and Kim closely coordinated to fill the quorum.
Han’s Response to the Evidence Presented
When the court asked Han if he had anything to say after viewing the CCTV, he replied, “I will consult with my attorney and submit my opinion. Since there are parts in the footage I don’t recall, I will discuss with my attorney how to address them.” The court questioned Han about the measures he took to protect the people during the emergency martial law, given the high risk of infringing on citizens’ lives, safety, and property.
Han responded, “I had no knowledge of the overall plan. Upon first hearing the president’s statement, I opposed the emergency martial law, saying it would cause significant problems.” He added, “I thought discussing it with only a few present was inappropriate and believed more State Council members would oppose it. I individually told the president, ‘All State Council members should reconsider,’ and ‘Emergency martial law is unacceptable.’”
He emphasized, “The most important point is that I was unaware of the entire plan.” Han continued, “Knowing from past experiences that emergency martial law causes immense trauma to the public, I believed it must be prevented at all costs and that the president’s declared martial law should be lifted as soon as possible—a sentiment shared by all State Council members.”
Final Thoughts on the Trial
As the trial continues, the revelations from the CCTV footage have provided critical insights into the events surrounding the emergency martial law declaration. The evidence presented has raised important questions about the actions of former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo and the coordination among State Council members. The ongoing legal proceedings will determine the extent of Han’s involvement and the implications of the decisions made during that tumultuous period.
