South Korea’s national security and governance face a critical test as former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun’s trial begins on Thursday in Seoul. Accused of insurrection and abuse of power for allegedly enforcing President Yoon Suk-yeol’s martial law, Kim’s case underscores the severe leadership crisis gripping the nation’s military and its potential implications for defense readiness.

This hearing is the first in a series of trials involving senior military officials implicated in Yoon’s martial law declaration. With multiple top defense positions vacant, South Korea’s ability to address regional security threats is under scrutiny. Experts warn that the leadership void risks undermining the nation’s stability at a time of escalating tensions in Northeast Asia.