Kwak Jong-geun Testifies in Court: 'Yoon Suk-yeol Ordered Han Dong-hoon's Murder'

A legal bombshell has dropped with former Special Warfare Commander Kwak Jong-geun's courtroom testimony alleging that then-President Yoon Suk-yeol ordered the assassination of Han Dong-hoon, who was a prosecutor at the time. Kwak's testimony is expected to have a critical impact on Yoon's ongoing trial for insurrection.

Kwak Jong-geun appeared as a witness on November 3, 2025, in Yoon Suk-yeol's trial on charges of insurrection. During his testimony, he claimed that Yoon had made death threats against Han Dong-hoon, then interim leader of the People Power Party, among others. The statement sent shockwaves through the courtroom and beyond.

Kwak elaborated on the circumstances in court, lending credibility to his testimony. He testified, "In October of last year, Yoon Suk-yeol said that if Han Dong-hoon, etc., were brought to him, he would have them shot dead." This testimony was quickly reported by the media, becoming a hot-button issue in the political sphere.

Kwak's testimony is expected to play a key role in explaining the background to the alleged insurrection plot, which is the central issue in the trial. Prosecutors are expected to focus on using Kwak's testimony to prove Yoon's guilt on the insurrection charges.

Kwak also revealed details of specific instructions allegedly given by Yoon Suk-yeol. He claimed that Yoon instructed him during a phone call around 12:30 AM on December 4, "Break down the doors and drag the lawmakers out." This testimony supports the assertion that Yoon specifically planned and attempted to carry out an insurrection.

Yoon Suk-yeol's side immediately refuted the claims. Yoon's lawyer argued that Kwak's claims were untrue, stating, "The same instructions were already given to 1st Airborne Brigade Commander Lee Sang-hyun around 12:25 AM." They also emphasized that the situation at the time was legitimate execution of duties, not insurrection.

Yoon Suk-yeol attended the trial for the third consecutive time, actively attempting to clarify his position. He claimed that Kwak's testimony was false and that he never conspired to or ordered an insurrection. Yoon stated that he would continue to participate diligently in the trial and prove his innocence.

Meanwhile, the special counsel investigating the insurrection requested an arrest warrant for former People Power Party floor leader Choo Kyung-ho. This indicates that the investigation into the insurrection charges is expanding to target key figures within the ruling party. Choo is suspected of involvement in the insurrection plot, and the special counsel aims to uncover the full truth of the matter through his detention and investigation.

The request for Choo Kyung-ho's arrest warrant is causing a major stir in the political arena. The People Power Party is strongly protesting the special counsel's investigation, criticizing it as politically motivated. Conversely, the Democratic Party is actively cooperating with the special counsel's investigation, urging the truth to be revealed.

This case is expected to leave a significant stain on the political history of South Korea. Yoon Suk-yeol's trial on insurrection charges will continue, and its outcome could significantly alter the political landscape. This case will also be recorded as a serious challenge to democracy and the rule of law in South Korea.

Kwak Jong-geun's testimony is more than just an allegation; it calls for deep reflection and self-examination across South Korean society. Through this case, the political sphere must restore public trust and create a more transparent and fair society.