Former Ministry of National Defense Legal Affairs Officer Hong Chang-sik, who was indicted on charges of failing to provide necessary legal advice to the defense minister and vice minister during the December 3 emergency martial law, denied the charges at his first trial.

The 32nd Criminal Division of the Seoul Central District Court (Presiding Judge Ryu Kyung-jin) held the first preparation hearing today (the 15th) for Hong on charges of dereliction of duty.

Preparation hearings are procedures used to discuss plans for evidence and upcoming full-scale trials.

While defendants are not obligated to attend preparation hearings, Hong appeared in court.

The 2nd Joint Independent Counsel Team, represented by Kwon Chang-young, stated the indictment facts: "Despite having the obligation to legally assist the defense minister and vice minister, he neglected his duties by failing to provide any legal advice regarding the martial law during the December 3 emergency martial law."

The legal affairs officer oversees general military judicial policies and provides legal review and support for Ministry of National Defense operations, including military agreements.

In response, Hong's legal team stated, "We maintain our innocence. Our primary position is denying any intent."

They argued that martial law-related duties are not explicitly specified in the organizational regulations for the legal affairs officer, and the mere fact that legal advice regarding martial law was not provided cannot constitute the crime of dereliction of duty.

Hong's team asserted, "He spent less than 20 minutes with former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun at the time, and he was not in a situation where he was specifically asked for legal advice. Synthesizing these facts, it cannot be regarded as a dereliction of duty."

The court concluded the preparation proceedings today and decided to hold the first official trial on the 20th of next month.

(Photo: Yonhap News)