Seoul: Ousted President Yoon Suk Yeol suggested the possibility of imposing martial law during a dinner at the presidential safe house in mid-2024, as revealed by a former military commander. Yeo In-hyung, the former chief of the Defense Counterintelligence Command, shared this information during an insurrection trial hearing at the Seoul Central District Court where he appeared as a witness.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Yeo stated that the discussion about martial law took place in May or June last year, with former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun also present. Approximately seven months later, on December 3, Yoon declared martial law, justifying it as a measure against "pro-North Korea and anti-state" forces. However, the National Assembly voted against this declaration.

Yeo expressed that the former president seemed unaware of the military's situation concerning martial law, and he advised Yoon that despite its constitutional guarantee, the military was not ready to enforce such a measure. Addressing circulating rumors, Yeo admitted to kneeling before Yoon during the dinner, feeling he had made an impolite remark in his capacity as a commander. He described Yoon's mention of martial law as "shocking."

The former commander clarified that Yoon did not provide details on any plans to impose martial law but merely mentioned it. Yeo attempted to persuade Yoon that mobilizing troops for martial law was unfeasible. Currently, Yeo is being tried at the military court on charges related to orders from Kim for the arrest and detention of key politicians. He declined to testify on specific details, including a memo listing prominent politicians such as then Democratic Party leader Lee Jae Myung.