Former military personnel indicted for allegedly plotting the December 3 emergency martial law during a gathering at a hamburger restaurant have all been acquitted in the first trial.

The Seoul Central District Court acquitted Koo Sam-hwe, former commander of the Army's 2nd Armored Brigade, and Bang Jung-hwan, former defense innovation secretary, who were charged with involvement in an important mission of rebellion, on the morning of October 30.

Six other military officers indicted on the same charges were also acquitted.

The court stated, "They were not aware of the emergency martial law in advance and carried out orders without a clear judgment regarding their unconstitutionality and illegality," adding, "The purpose of subverting the state constitution is not recognized."