Former 707th Special Mission Group commander Kim Hyun-tae was sentenced to 12 years in prison on Dec. 27. He led troops to blockade the National Assembly during the Dec. 3 martial law attempt.
Special Forces Commander Sentenced to 12 Years
Now, his wife has taken over his YouTube channel. Seoul Central District Court records show the 37-2 criminal panel handed down the 12-year sentence after ruling that Kim showed no remorse. The court found he used online platforms to distort facts and mock the judicial system.
Wife Steps In to Manage Online Studio
Kim’s wife announced via the channel’s community board on Dec. 31 that business registration for “True Soldier Kim Hyun-tae Studio” was completed with her as the representative.
She stated that she will personally manage the platform moving forward by uploading short-form versions of previous videos. She also challenged anonymous commenters to debate military and security issues openly rather than disparaging the nation’s 450,000 troops online.
Sharp Reversal on Emergency Decree Testimony
The legal fallout follows a sharp reversal in Kim’s public statements regarding the emergency decree.
On Dec. 9, 2024, shortly after martial law was lifted, Kim held a press conference outside the War Memorial of Korea in Yongsan-gu. Crying, he claimed former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun issued unlawful orders to drag lawmakers out of Parliament, asserting that 707th Special Mission Group soldiers were victims.
However, Kim subsequently altered his testimony during impeachment proceedings for former President Yoon Suk Yeol, denying he received illegal directives.
Dismissal, Political Bids, and Prison Life
Following his dismissal from the military in January on charges of aiding insurrection, Kim shifted to defending the martial law declaration.
He appeared at rallies supporting Yoon alongside right-wing commentator Jeon Han-kil. He also ran as an independent candidate for the Gyeyang Eul parliamentary by-election during the June 3 local elections, campaigning to dismantle the administration of Lee Jae-myung.
During a prison-sentencing broadcast on Dec. 27, Jeon Han-kil told viewers that Kim had supposedly been promoted to general following his incarceration. Jeon announced plans to collect voluntary subscription fees to support Kim’s family and cover legal expenses.
Meanwhile, in a prison letter sent to Jeon’s channel, Kim described his detention as comparable to an overseas military deployment. He stated he is maintaining a regular routine with daily exercise and expects to leave prison healthier.
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