Former People Power Party floor leader Chu Kyung-ho appeared as a witness at former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo's insurrection trial and refused to testify.
Chu, the former floor leader, said at the continued hearing on the 17th before the Seoul Central District Court Criminal Division 33 (presiding judge Lee Jin-gwan) in the case against former Prime Minister Han on charges including aiding and abetting the head of an insurrection, "Unavoidably, I intend to refuse to testify in any way. Please understand."
Chu said, "I am currently in a situation where an arrest warrant has been sought in connection with the related case," adding, "From my college days to after my inauguration as floor leader in May 2024 and up to after the National Assembly's resolution to lift martial law, the period is listed in the warrant."
Chu, the former floor leader, is currently in a situation where an arrest warrant has been sought on charges of obstructing the National Assembly's resolution to lift martial law, and a motion to arrest has been submitted to the National Assembly. The National Assembly plans to vote on the 27th. With the Democratic Party of Korea holding a majority of seats, the motion is likely to pass.
When the special counsel investigating the insurrection case asked in direct examination, "Did you know before the declaration that former President Yoon Suk-yeol would declare emergency martial law?" and "Did you call former Prime Minister Han on the day martial law was declared?", Chu refused to answer both questions. When he continued to refuse to testify during cross-examination by Han's side, the court said, "Considering that a warrant has been sought for the grave charge of engaging in important duties related to an insurrection, we accepted the refusal to testify."
The court said, "Refusing is your right, but I understand you also served as deputy prime minister for the economy and as floor leader. In some ways, one might think you could show a confident stance. In that regard, is there anything you want to say?" Chu, the former floor leader, again refused, saying, "I am truly sorry, but I ask for your understanding that I have refused to testify for the reasons I mentioned earlier." The witness examination ended after 20 minutes.
On the 19th, former President Yoon Suk-yeol, former Minister of the Interior and Safety Lee Sang-min, and former Minister of National Defense Kim Yong-hyun were recalled as witnesses. Earlier, they submitted a written statement explaining his absence to the court for reasons including health issues, and the court imposed fines and issued warrants to compel appearance.
Regarding this, the court said, "We are concerned there may be violators of courtroom order on the 19th and plan to take corresponding measures," adding, "If courtroom order is violated, we will take sanctions under the relevant laws, and may impose not only fines but also detention." Former Minister Kim and former Minister Lee are said to have filed objections with the court, contesting the imposition of fines.