"What Must Be Excised Should Be Removed for New Growth"
On Demands for Increased US Defense Costs: "Will Respond from the Perspective of National Interest"
"Restoration of the September 19 Agreement Will Be Considered Based on Circumstances and Conditions"
Defense Minister nominee Kyu Baek Ahn stated on June 27, "The most urgent task is to restore the morale and pride of our military, which has been wounded by the illegal 12·3 martial law."
Speaking to reporters as he arrived at his candidate office set up at the Army Hall in Yongsan-gu, Seoul on the same day, Ahn said, "The illegal 12·3 martial law has shaken the spirit of the military and morale has hit rock bottom. I will devote all my capabilities to reviving it," emphasizing his commitment.
Defense Minister nominee Kyu Baek Ahn is answering questions from the press as he arrives for his first day at the personnel hearing preparation office set up at the Army Hall in Yongsan-gu, Seoul on June 27, 2025. Photo by Jo Yongjun
Regarding his appointment as the first civilian defense minister in 64 years, Ahn said, "Even at this very moment, I would like to express my trust and gratitude to the service members who are flawlessly defending the country on land, at sea, and in the air, from Marado in the far south to the northwestern islands." He added, "Since 2008, I have served as secretary and chairman of the National Assembly Defense Committee, and have spent over 40 years in politics. I will use the know-how and experience I have gained to do my utmost to make the military one that belongs to the people."
He also addressed the investigation into the 12·3 martial law, saying, "Looking at history?36 years of Japanese occupation, the Korean War, the 5·16 military coup, and the 12·12 military rebellion?I believe that such incidents have recurred in modern society because there was never a proper reckoning with the past." He stressed, "If we simply gloss over the 12·3 martial law without a thorough purge, the wound will fester and burst again. What needs to be excised must be removed so that new growth can occur."
He continued, "Our military was different from the past, and that is why the 12·3 rebellion failed." He added, "According to the principle of reward and punishment, those who did well will be rewarded, and those who did wrong will be held accountable. As someone who chaired the National Investigation Special Committee on the rebellion, I am deeply familiar with the matter and will prepare various measures accordingly."
When asked about resolving the leadership vacuum in the military caused by the 12·3 martial law and the impeachment crisis, Ahn responded, "Having served five terms on the National Assembly Defense Committee, I cannot say I am completely unfamiliar with the issue. However, since there are many members currently serving in the military, I will listen to the opinions of various stakeholders and seek out the best possible solution."
In response to questions regarding increasing demands from the second Donald Trump administration for greater strategic flexibility of US Forces Korea and higher defense cost sharing, Ahn said, "The Republic of Korea ranks 10th in the world in economic power and 5th in military strength. We must respond with greater confidence and dignity." He added, "I will approach everything from the perspective of national interest and respond proactively."
Regarding President Lee Jaemyung's campaign pledge to restore the September 19 inter-Korean military agreement, Ahn said, "We should start with civilian exchanges between the two Koreas and also work to restore the September 19 agreement so that a current of peace can flow on the Korean Peninsula." However, he added, "Rather than restoring it immediately, I will consider various situations and conditions to determine which approach is the most peaceful."
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