"Emergency assembly possible, leave controlled"
"Army, immediately halt in preparation for political situation"
Defense Ministry "Not true at all"
Im Tae-hoon, Director of the Center for Military Human Rights, explaining the tip-off during a press conference related to martial law. Photo by Yonhap News.
With the vote on the impeachment motion against President Yoon Suk-yeol scheduled for 7:00 PM on the 7th, the Center for Military Human Rights (Director Lim Tae-hoon) announced that circumstances suggesting a second declaration of martial law have been detected.
On the morning of the 6th, the Center for Military Human Rights held a press conference to reveal the suspicious signs of a second martial law. They stated, "Multiple units, following instructions from higher command, issued a directive on the morning of the 4th between 11 AM and 12 PM for 'normal implementation of all soldiers' leave,' adding that commanders are to control leave because emergency mobilization may occur until the 8th." They explained, "The 8th is the day after the 7th, when the National Assembly plenary session is scheduled to vote on President Yoon's impeachment motion."
They continued, "Allowing regular soldiers to take leave while explicitly controlling commanders' leave to prepare for emergency mobilization is a very dangerous sign as it leaves open the possibility of emergency mobilization." They added, "Military units have fixed leave quotas, so even if some personnel are on leave, emergency mobilization and deployment are not impossible. In fact, controlling leave increases the likelihood of rumors spreading externally." However, they expressed concern, saying, "It is strange to continuously control company commanders and higher-ranking officers who must lead the units in case of an emergency, especially when the control period extends until the day after the impeachment motion is submitted. This raises sufficient suspicion."
Furthermore, they pointed out, "While leave is not controlled in several other units, the exit of officers within the base is restricted, and thorough searches are conducted, including opening car trunks when entering and exiting the base." They noted, "If this is to control the units amid a tense military atmosphere, it would be reasonable for the same directive to be issued across the entire military, but the fact that such signs are detected only in the Army is problematic." They added, "Although martial law has been lifted, the Army keeping the possibility of emergency mobilization open means the possibility of a second martial law remains. It is suspicious that they may be preparing a plan in case the impeachment is rejected." They concluded, "Since a second martial law can be declared at any time, it is too early to feel safe or celebrate. In a world where martial law is always an option, no one can live safely. The Army must immediately stop preparing for political situations and focus on its primary duties."
However, Deputy Minister of National Defense Kim Seon-ho held a press conference at 1:30 PM and stated, "The Center for Military Human Rights' claim of 'signs of a second martial law' is completely unfounded," adding, "Even if there were any requests for martial law declaration, the Ministry of National Defense and the Joint Chiefs of Staff would never accept them." He continued, "Currently, the military is maintaining a firm state of readiness, managing the situation stably, and doing its utmost to protect the safety of the people and their peaceful daily lives while focusing on its primary duties."
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