Investigation Period Yet to Be Determined
"Strict Accountability Reflects Minister Ahn's Intent"
The Ministry of National Defense has launched a fact-finding investigation into the units involved in the December 3 Martial Law, aiming to implement a strict accountability process. This follows the recent initiation of a commendation process for soldiers who either refused or passively responded to illegal or unjust orders during the December 3 incident.
On August 19, an official from the Ministry of National Defense stated, "Under the supervision of the Ministry's Audit Office and with support from the Investigation Headquarters, we are currently verifying the facts regarding the missions and roles of units that were deployed or involved during the December 3 Martial Law." According to this official, the measure reflects the intention of Defense Minister Ahn Kyubaek, who believes the military must break away from its past as a tool of martial law and be reborn as the 'military of the people.'
Minister Ahn has repeatedly stated, "What we must do now is ensure strict accountability regarding the illegal martial law, correct the wrongdoings of the previous administration, strengthen civilian control to prevent the military from becoming a private instrument of power, and rebuild the people's military."
As President Yoon Sukyeol declared martial law, citizens gathered in front of the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, on the 4th to urge the lifting of martial law. Photo by Kang Jinhyung
The current fact-finding investigation targets units that were deployed to sites such as the National Assembly or were otherwise involved in the December 3 Martial Law. The Audit Office will visit these units directly to review records and listen to testimonies from relevant personnel. While the investigation primarily targets units, individual soldiers may also be investigated depending on the circumstances.
The specific duration of the investigation has not been determined. The official explained, "This will proceed separately from the special prosecutor's investigation. We will thoroughly review the entire process of martial law, correct any wrongdoings, and supplement areas that require improvement. Based on the findings, appropriate measures will be taken in the future."
Meanwhile, the commendation process by the Ministry of National Defense is already underway. Since mid-last month, the Audit Office has been organizing relevant facts to reward service members who upheld their duties by refusing to follow illegal or unjust orders during the martial law period. As a result, the review and announcement of promotions for field-grade officers, which were scheduled to take place earlier this month, have been postponed.
President Lee Jaemyung also instructed Minister Ahn on July 28 to "pursue special promotions for officers who responded passively to illegal and unjust orders during the December 3 incident." The Ministry of National Defense has clarified the requirements for special promotions through a revised draft of the Military Personnel Act Enforcement Decree, expanding the eligible ranks from "lieutenant colonel and below" to "colonel and below." This makes it possible to grant special promotions to service members who contributed to protecting the lives and safety of the people by refusing illegal or unjust orders during the December 3 incident.
However, contrary to the Ministry's initial explanation that the commendation process would take about two to three weeks, progress has been slow. A Ministry official stated, "The relevant procedures are still ongoing."
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