Kim Yong-hyun, Former Minister, Detention Extended Before Release… Letter from Jail Made Public

Just three hours before his release, the detention of Kim Yong-hyun, the former Minister of National Defense, was extended, and a letter he wrote from jail has been made public through online communities.

On the 25th, a post titled "Delivering Minister Kim Yong-hyun's Letter" was uploaded in the 'People Power Party Emergency Committee Gallery' on DC Inside. The post included an image of the letter that is believed to have been written by Kim while in custody.

In the letter, Kim addressed "Dear Patriotic Citizens" and expressed his feelings, stating, "Today marks the expiration of my detention period, and many of you may have been hoping for my release, but I am sorry that I cannot repay your support."

He also expressed concern for his colleagues, saying, "Although I have been subjected to additional detention, I hope my fellow commanders can be released soon."

Kim added, "Many people were expecting my release, and I feel sorry that I cannot repay your support," and concluded with, "Fight for the Free Republic of Korea! Fight for the Patriotic Citizens!" emphasizing the military spirit with the phrase, "First in, Last out! Entering first and exiting last."

Meanwhile, Kim, who is currently imprisoned at the Seoul Eastern Detention Center, was arrested on December 27 of last year on charges of rebellion under the Criminal Act (engaging in important duties) and obstruction of the exercise of official authority. As of the 26th, his initial six-month detention period was set to expire, and he was expected to be released.

However, before this could happen, the Special Prosecutor's Team led by Jo Eun-seok added charges against Kim, including obstruction of official duties and instigation of evidence destruction. Despite Kim's five requests for the judge to recuse themselves, he could not escape his detention.

Ultimately, after a hearing on the additional detention warrant for Kim on the 25th, the court issued the warrant requested by the Special Prosecutor's Team, citing concerns about the destruction of evidence.

Image sources: Kim Yong-hyun, former Minister of National Defense / News1, Kim Yong-hyun, former Minister of National Defense / News1, online community