Kim Hyun-tae, implicated in martial law deployment, to run in Incheon Gyeyang-eul; Jeon Han-gil to provide "rear support"

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[The Financial News]  Kim Hyun-tae, the former commander of the 707th Special Mission Group under ROK-SWC who was dismissed over allegations that he was involved in sealing off and infiltrating the National Assembly during the "December 3 martial law" episode, has declared his candidacy in the by-election for the National Assembly member in Incheon Gyeyang-eul constituency. The district was previously represented by President Lee Jae-myung until he ran for president.
At a press conference at the Koreana Hotel in Jung District, Seoul, on the 8th, Kim said he would run as an independent, stating, "I will defend liberal democracy and the rule of law against a regime built on lies and illegality." He added, "I plan to register as a preliminary candidate as soon as the paperwork is completed."
Kim was dismissed by the Ministry of National Defense for allegedly taking part in the operation to block access to the National Assembly after receiving orders from former Special Warfare Command chief Kwak Jong-geun during the martial law crisis. He is now a civilian.
At the press conference, he said, "In the turmoil of martial law, I came to know the truth and fought with the determination to protect my subordinates." He added, "I lost everything through my dismissal, but I found the courage to stand back up through the citizens."
He also emphasized, "I will inherit the spirit of former Presidents Syngman Rhee and Park Chung Hee," and "I will restore the honor of soldiers and their families who were discouraged by the historical injustice of purges."
Jeon Han-gil, a conservative YouTuber and former Korean history instructor, also attended the press conference. Jeon said he would not run himself, but added, "I will strongly support Kim and take on a rear-support role."
Kim has recently been making public political appearances with Jeon. In February, the two attended a "Yoon Again" rally held by a conservative group near Nonhyeon Station in Gangnam District, where they argued that former President Yoon Suk Yeol was innocent and that the martial law declaration was justified. Kim has also appeared on Jeon's YouTube channel, where he has said his dismissal was unfair.
Meanwhile, the Incheon Gyeyang-eul by-election is being held after the seat became vacant when Lee won the presidential election. The Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) strategically nominated former Presidential Spokesperson Kim Nam-jun, while the People Power Party gave a single nomination to Shim Wang-seop, chairman of the Environment and Landscape Architecture Foundation (ELAF).
y27k@fnnews.com Seo Yoon-kyung Reporter