Former Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn Faces Arrest Warrant for Inciting Insurrection

The request for an arrest warrant for former Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn on charges of inciting insurrection is expected to be recorded as a highly unusual event in constitutional history. The special prosecutor's team (special prosecutor) has requested an arrest warrant for Hwang on charges of insurrection and incitement to insurrection. According to the special prosecutor, Hwang is accused of inciting insurrection by posting messages on Facebook that defended martial law, even though he was aware of its illegality. The post stated, "Martial law has been declared" and "We must eradicate the pro-North Korean Juche faction and the fraudulent election forces." The special prosecutor determined that these posts could create public anxiety and cause social chaos.

Even after martial law was lifted, Hwang posted an additional message stating, "Arrest National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik and People Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon." The special prosecutor viewed this as a serious matter that disregarded the function and role of the National Assembly and infringed upon the authority of constitutional institutions. Hwang, who refused to comply with the special prosecutor's summons for questioning, was arrested with an arrest warrant. The special prosecutor determined that Hwang had the intent to incite insurrection by posting the messages, despite being fully aware of the illegality of martial law, given his past high-ranking public positions. During the special prosecutor's investigation, Hwang claimed that it was a "targeted investigation and political retaliation" and refused to answer most of the questions. He argued that his actions were simply an expression of political opinion. The court is scheduled to make a final decision on whether to detain former Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn on November 13. The warrant review will comprehensively examine the special prosecutor's investigative records and evidence, as well as the rebuttals from Hwang's lawyers.