Generals Leave Classified Documents on Desks After Work, Caught in Defense Ministry Audit

Security Awareness in the Military Under Scrutiny

It has been revealed that military generals left classified documents related to South Korea-U.S. joint military exercises on their desks when leaving work, and were subsequently caught in a Ministry of National Defense audit.

According to materials submitted by the Ministry of National Defense to the office of Assemblyman Kang Daesik of the People Power Party, a member of the National Assembly's National Defense Committee, on October 8, the Ministry's Audit Office conducted a "2025 Special Inspection on Discipline in the Defense Sector" last April, targeting the Army, Navy, and Air Force Headquarters, as well as the Marine Corps Command.

Military Level 3 Secret Image. Yonhap News Agency

The audit found that due to poor management of classified documents and cryptographic equipment, a total of 17 individuals were caught and given "warnings"-six from Army Headquarters, three from Navy Headquarters, five from Air Force Headquarters, and three from the Marine Corps Command. Those who receive a warning face disadvantages in personnel matters for two years.

At Army Headquarters, a major general in charge of operations was found to have left materials for the after-action review meeting of the South Korea-U.S. joint exercise "Freedom Shield" (FS), which are classified as Level 2 secrets, on his desk when leaving work. Another brigadier general was caught in the audit for leaving on his desk emergency reinforcement plans for a reconnaissance drone for a specific unit, which are classified as Level 3 secrets, before leaving work.

In the Navy Headquarters, Air Force Headquarters, and Marine Corps Command, field-grade officers were also found to have left Level 2 or Level 3 classified documents, as well as Level 3 classified cryptographic equipment for the Korea Joint Command and Control System (KJCCS), unattended, and were given warnings.

Military secrets are classified into Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3, depending on the degree of impact their disclosure would have on national security.

According to the Defense Security Work Directive, Level 1 secrets must be stored in double-locked safe-type containers, while Level 2 and Level 3 secrets must be kept in fireproof containers with double locks, such as steel cabinets.