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Seoul Court Opens Preparatory Hearing for PPP Lawmaker Choo Kyung‑ho, Next Session Set for Feb 9

Updated (9 articles)

Preparatory hearing launched on December 24, 2025 The Seoul Central District Court held the first preparatory hearing to outline procedural steps in the case against People Power Party (PPP) floor leader Choo Kyung‑ho, who was not required to attend the session [1][2]. Prosecutors and defense presented their positions, and the bench scheduled a follow‑up hearing for February 9, 2026, emphasizing the public interest in a swift trial [1].

Indictment details Choo’s venue‑shifting actions The special counsel alleges Choo changed the location of an emergency party meeting three times on December 3, 2024, moving it from the National Assembly to the PPP headquarters and back after a request from former President Yoon [1][2]. These venue changes were intended to facilitate Yoon’s brief imposition of martial law and obstructed lawmakers’ ability to convene for a vote on lifting the decree [1][2].

Mass absenteeism crippled parliamentary vote Confusion from the venue swaps left 90 of the PPP’s 108 lawmakers absent from the critical vote that ultimately lifted the martial‑law decree only hours after it was imposed [1][2]. The absence underscored the impact of Choo’s actions on parliamentary proceedings and the broader political fallout [1][2].

Special counsel pins greatest responsibility on floor leader In the indictment, prosecutors argue that as floor leader, Choo held the highest responsibility for parliamentary operations and could have countered Yoon’s will to maintain martial law but failed to act despite witnessing rights violations and troops entering the Assembly [1][2].

Arrest warrant request previously denied Earlier in the case, prosecutors sought a court‑issued arrest warrant for Choo, but the court rejected the request, allowing him to remain free pending trial [1][2].

Sources

Timeline

Dec 3 2024 – President Yoon Suk‑yeol declares martial law, prompting an emergency PPP meeting that night; floor leader Choo Kyung‑ho repeatedly changes the venue from the National Assembly to the party headquarters and back at Yoon’s request, creating confusion that later hinders lawmakers’ attendance [1].

Dec 4 2024 (early morning) – The National Assembly lifts the martial‑law decree in a unanimous vote of 190 lawmakers, but only 18 of the PPP’s 108 legislators participate because of the earlier venue shifts, effectively limiting the party’s opposition [3].

Late Nov 2025 – The National Assembly passes a motion authorising the arrest of Choo Kyung‑ho for his alleged role in obstructing the vote to lift the decree, despite parliamentary immunity that normally protects sitting members [3].

Dec 1 2025 – Seoul Central District Court schedules a 3 p.m. hearing to decide whether to issue an arrest warrant for Choo Kyung‑ho on charges of aiding an insurrection linked to the 2024 martial‑law attempt [9].

Dec 2 2025 – Choo Kyung‑ho appears at the court for the arrest‑warrant hearing, reiterating that he moved the meeting because police restricted access to the Assembly compound and urging a fair, unbiased judgment [8].

Dec 2 2025 – The court denies the arrest‑warrant request, citing unresolved factual disputes and a lack of flight‑risk or evidence‑tampering concerns, and notes that lawmakers enjoy immunity absent Assembly consent [6][7].

Dec 3 2025 – The court again rejects an arrest warrant for Choo, ruling that the question of whether his actions constitute assistance to an insurrection must be decided at trial, not through pre‑trial detention [5].

Dec 3 2025 – Democratic Party leader Jung Chung‑rae condemns the ruling as a “second insurrection” and a “judicial coup” aligned with former President Yoon and Chief Justice Jo Hee‑de [5].

Dec 3 2025 – People Power Party leader Jang Dong‑hyeok welcomes the decision, calling it the end of a “dark chapter” of martial‑law narratives, while emphasizing that the court’s order only concerns detention, not guilt [5].

Dec 7 2025 – Special counsel indicts Choo Kyung‑ho without detention on charges of blocking PPP lawmakers from voting to lift the martial‑law decree, asserting that as floor leader he bore the greatest parliamentary responsibility for the failed insurrection [3][4].

Dec 7 2025 – The same indictment also targets former Prime Minister Hwang Kyo‑ahn for inciting insurrection and obstructing public duty after Yoon’s decree, noting his Facebook messages calling for arrests of political figures [3][4].

Dec 23 2025 – Seoul Central District Court sets the first preparatory hearing for Choo’s trial at 2 p.m., with prosecution and defense presenting positions; the defendant is not required to attend [2].

Dec 24 2025 – The trial’s first preparatory hearing commences, establishing procedural steps for the case; prosecutors request an additional hearing on Feb 9 and push for swift proceedings given public interest [1].

Feb 9 2026 (scheduled) – The court plans a follow‑up preparatory hearing in Choo’s case, continuing the fast‑track process sought by prosecutors [1].

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