Former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun was sentenced to 30 years in prison by the Seoul Central District Court for his involvement in a coup plot. As a result, his defense attorneys launched a tirade against the ruling, asserting that the judiciary has failed and is only left to clean up its mess. They characterized the judges' comments during the sentencing as nonsensical and lacking credibility, emphasizing a perceived bias against Kim and likening the case to political retribution from the ruling party.

During a live YouTube broadcast, attorneys Lee Ha-sang, Kim Ji-mi, and Ko Young-il specifically targeted Judge Ji Gwi-yeon, accusing him of superficial reasoning in his ruling. They expressed frustration that the verdict lacked impact and coherence, raising doubts about whether it was based on legitimate evidence or political narratives. Their harsh words included disrespectful language towards the judge, which reflects a deepening rift between political factions in South Korea and highlights ongoing tensions surrounding judicial independence.

The commentary from the defense team also featured unfounded conspiracy theories suggesting political manipulation behind the verdict. They argued that the judgment echoed the language of the opposition Democratic Party and claimed it lacked the rigor of a fair trial. This incident illustrates the contentious atmosphere surrounding trials of high-profile political figures in South Korea, where allegations of partisanship and judicial bias are common, potentially undermining public trust in the justice system.