Today, the decision on the extension of Kim Yong-hyun's detention will be made, and the special investigation team for the insurrection will attend Yoon Seok-yeol's trial - a turning point in the insurrection investigation.

Decision on the extension of Kim Yong-hyun's detention

On June 23, 2025, the Seoul Central District Court will hold a substantive hearing to decide whether to extend the detention of former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun. Former Minister Kim was arrested in December 2023 on charges of insurrection and is currently undergoing a first trial, with the detention period set to expire on June 26 in accordance with the Criminal Procedure Act, which allows for six months of detention. The special prosecutor's office has applied additional charges of "obstruction of official duties by deception” and "instruction for destruction of evidence" on June 19 and has requested an extension of the detention. Kim's defense team claims that this additional indictment procedure is illegal and has filed a request for a stay of execution however, this was dismissed by the Seoul High Court. The court is set to deliberate on the necessity of detention and the legality of the additional indictment at 2:30 PM today at the Seoul Central District Court.

Former President Yoon Seok-yeol's trial involves the special investigation team.

On the same day, from 10:15 AM, the 8th trial regarding former President Yoon Seok-yeol's allegations of insurrection and abuse of power will take place at the Seoul Central District Court. From this trial onward, the special prosecutor team for the insurrection will directly participate in maintaining the prosecution, with Special Prosecutor Park Eok-soo leading the witness examination and major statements. This signifies the shift of investigative and prosecutorial authority to the special prosecutor, holding symbolic importance. On this day, witnesses including former Deputy Chief of Staff Lee Jae-sik and former Martial Law Chief Kwon Young-hwan are expected to play a crucial role in uncovering the realities of the martial law enforcement plan.

Structural Analysis: The Relationship Between Events

The additional indictment and extension of detention for former Minister Kim Yong-hyun can be interpreted as a significant test in the early stages of the insurrection investigation. The special prosecutor is tracking the hierarchical responsibilities of senior military officials to uncover the substance of the controversial 'emergency martial law execution plan.' As the Minister of National Defense at the time, Kim played a crucial role, while former President Yoon Seok-youl stands at the apex of the investigative net as the top approver of the execution plan. These cases are all unfolding within the same investigative environment aimed at proving the hierarchical responsibility structure of the insurrection.

The meaning and implications of today's court

Today's two legal procedures are not merely about an individual's detention status or the change of the prosecution subject they carry deeper implications. Firstly, the extension of former Minister Kim's detention is a key that guarantees the continuity of the investigation and the legitimacy of evidence collection. Secondly, the special prosecutor's direct participation in court signifies that the investigation phase has entered a stage that is fundamentally 'focused on trial-centered structural interpretation.' Thirdly, both cases are progressing within the same investigative context aimed at proving the hierarchical responsibility structure of insurrection. Lastly, the special prosecutor's additional indictment strategy can be interpreted as part of a phased plan to secure the detention of high-ranking officials rather than a short-term impact.

Conclusion: The Benchmark for Insurrection Investigation

Today, there are trials taking place in two courts, but this can be seen as a miniature version of the significant 'insurrection investigation' in the history of the South Korean judiciary. The extension of the detention of former Minister Kim Yong-hyun will serve as a basis for gauging the momentum and legitimacy of the investigation, while the direct involvement of the special prosecutor in the case of former President Yoon marks a turning point in bringing the essence of the investigation into the courtroom. Today's decision must be based on legal consistency and procedural legitimacy, and it will serve as an important benchmark showing how the investigation into the insurrection charges unfolds.