Disciplinary Procedures Initiated...
Conclusion Expected Next Week
The military has officially begun the process of removing from their posts and disciplining commanders deeply involved in the '12·3 Emergency Martial Law Incident.' Those subject to removal from their posts include Yeo In-hyung, Commander of the Republic of Korea Army Counterintelligence Command, who has been detained and indicted on charges related to important internal rebellion duties, as well as Lee Jin-woo, Commander of the Army Capital Defense Command, Kwak Jong-geun, Commander of the Army Special Warfare Command, and Moon Sang-ho, Commander of the Intelligence Command.
A Ministry of National Defense official told reporters on the 10th, "We have individually notified those subject to removal from their posts," adding, "To ensure the right to defense, about 10 more days are needed, and we expect to reach a conclusion around next week."
Since they are currently unable to perform their duties, it is anticipated that removal from their posts will be decided after review. Regarding the removal from post of Park An-su, former Martial Law Commander and Chief of Staff of the Army (detained and indicted), the military explained that additional legal review is underway. The removal review committee must be composed of at least three members senior to the subject under review; however, since only one senior officer, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, outranks four-star General Park within the military, the committee itself may not be able to be formed.
The Ministry of National Defense official stated, "We are conducting additional legal reviews, and once a conclusion is reached on whether removal from post review is possible or whether to proceed with suspension during prosecution, we will provide an explanation." Furthermore, the Ministry announced that it has also initiated disciplinary procedures, including assigning disciplinary case numbers, for key commanders such as General Park who have been detained and indicted over the emergency martial law incident.
Meanwhile, regarding Acting Minister Kim Seon-ho (Vice Minister) issuing instructions to the Presidential Security Service commander that "there must be no physical clashes with the police," a Ministry of National Defense official explained, "The instruction was given to ensure that our personnel do not bear unnecessary responsibility."
The official added, "This was to ensure that the field commanders are not confused and can make the wisest and most appropriate decisions."
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