Seoul: A former senior security adviser to ex-President Yoon Suk Yeol appeared at a Seoul court Friday to attend his arrest warrant hearing over his alleged role in the ousted president's failed 2024 martial law bid.

According to Yonhap News Agency, former Principal Deputy National Security Adviser Kim Tae-hyo is accused of playing a key role in Yoon's imposition of martial law. Kim allegedly sent messages via foreign affairs officials to the United States and other allied countries to justify Yoon's decree shortly after its declaration on December 3, 2024.

The messages reportedly described the declaration as a move intended to protect liberal democracy and as a response to the National Assembly's efforts to paralyze the executive branch. Kim declined to answer reporters' questions about the allegations when he arrived at the Seoul Central District Court for the hearing.

Special counsel Kwon Chang-young's team filed for Kim's arrest warrant Tuesday on charges of playing a key role in an insurrection and abusing his authority.