Former 707 unit commander Kim Hyun‑tae faces 18‑year prison term for alleged coup

South Korea's special investigation team led by prosecutor Jo Eun‑seok has asked the Seoul Central District Court to impose heavy sentences on seven former military officers for illegally deploying troops during the 2022 emergency decree. The team seeks an 18‑year prison term for former 707 Special Mission Unit commander Colonel Kim Hyun‑tae, who led troops that entered the National Assembly and arrested lawmakers. It also requests 15 years for Major General Lee Sang‑hyun, 12 years each for Colonel Kim Dae‑woo and Colonel Kim Bong‑gyu, 10 years each for former Defense Ministry investigation chief Park Heon‑soo and former intelligence officials Ko Dong‑hee and others. The prosecutors labeled the accused as “action leaders” of an insurrection that threatened constitutional order. The hearing on the sentencing request was held on 28 February before judges O‑Chang‑seop, Ryu‑Chang‑seong and Jang‑Sung‑ho.

The case stems from allegations that the officers, following orders from the president and defence minister, used military force to block the National Assembly and the Central Election Commission, actions described as a coup attempt during the period of emergency rule.