On the 12th and 3rd emergency martial law situation, Korean National Police Agency Chief Jo Ji-ho denied all charges during his first court hearing for insurrection. Chief Jo noted, "I was merely carrying out public order duties and had no intention of insurrection."
The 25th Criminal Division of the Seoul Central District Court (Director General Ji Gwi-yeon) held the first court date on the 20th for Chief Jo, former Seoul Korean National Police Agency Chief Kim Bong-sik, former National Investigation Agency Planning Coordination Officer Yoon Seung-young, and former National Assembly Security Command Officer Mok Hyun-tae, who are charged with insurrection-related duties and abuse of power.
Chief Jo and former Seoul Chief Kim are accused of receiving an A4 paper stating "emergency martial law" and others from President Yoon at the private residence in Samcheong-dong before the declaration of emergency martial law, while inspecting the Korean National Police Agency's mobile unit situation and dispatching the mobile unit to the National Assembly. Former Officer Yoon and former Security Command Officer Mok are accused of instructing the mobile unit near the National Assembly based on their orders.
Chief Jo's attorney acknowledged facts such as the dispatch of the mobile unit and the closure and unblocking of the National Assembly but stated, "It was merely carrying out public order duties as usual" and emphasized that there was no intention of violating the constitution or insurrection.
He also noted, "I strengthened control over the National Assembly following the orders of the martial law commander, but I had no awareness of illegality based on the declaration orders," adding, "There was practically no contribution to controlling violators, and I helped ensure that the martial law could be lifted early." He asserted, "Without any essential contribution to the crime, I cannot be seen as a co-conspirator in insurrection."
Former Chief Kim's attorney stated, "The 360 mobile unit officers initially deployed to the National Assembly alone do not meet the riot conditions for insurrection charges." Former Officer Yoon's attorney also remarked, "They merely carried out their police duties without any recognition of illegality," insisting, "If the prosecution cannot prove that they conspired to commit insurrection for important duties, they should be found not guilty." Former Security Commander Mok also denied all charges.
The court stated that since the four individuals face similar charges, future trials would be consolidated. The next court date will be held on the 31st.