Seoul: Former National Intelligence Service (NIS) Director Cho Tae-yong on Wednesday denied charges of dereliction of duty related to former President Yoon Suk Yeol's failed martial law bid. Cho's lawyers made the case at the Seoul Central District Court during the first hearing of his trial over allegations of neglecting his duties as NIS chief by failing to report the martial law plan to the National Assembly before Yoon's televised address to the nation on Dec. 3, 2024.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the lawyers argued that the special counsel's case relies on imagination, suggesting that if there were grounds for indictment, charges should be for playing a key role in an insurrection rather than dereliction of duty. They also contested allegations that Cho failed to notify parliament of martial law troops' actions, which they claim would require notification only under circumstances posing a "grave impact" to national security.

The court announced plans to conduct witness examinations before concluding oral arguments, potentially as soon as late next month. Cho stands among numerous senior officials indicted over accusations linked to the ousted former president's brief imposition of martial law.

The special counsel team seeks the death penalty for Yoon, charging him with leading an insurrection through his martial law decree, with a court ruling expected on Feb. 19.