Request for the Ministry of National Defense to Restart Disciplinary Proceedings
On November 27, Prime Minister Kim Minseok, with the approval of President Lee Jaemyung, decided to immediately cancel the disciplinary action (10-day confinement) imposed by the Minister of National Defense against Brigadier General Kim Sanghwan, Legal Affairs Director of the Army Headquarters. Additionally, Minister of National Defense Ahn Kyubaek was instructed to promptly restart the disciplinary process against Brigadier General Kim and to conclude it swiftly.
Prime Minister Kim stated, "As the Legal Affairs Director of the Army Headquarters, Brigadier General Kim bears significant responsibility for upholding legal order within the military. He had a duty to promptly recommend or advise the immediate lifting of martial law to General Park Ansoo, who was then the Chief of Staff and Martial Law Commander, but failed to fulfill this obligation and is therefore accountable."
He further emphasized, "There is a serious issue, such as knowingly boarding the martial law bus despite being aware of the problems." He added, "I request a thorough re-examination to ensure that no issues are overlooked during the disciplinary process conducted by the Ministry of National Defense."
Previously, the Ministry of National Defense had imposed a confinement penalty on Brigadier General Kim, one of the Army staff officers who boarded a bus to Seoul under the orders of former Commander Park during the 12·3 Martial Law Incident. This penalty is considered a minor disciplinary action, second only to a warning. It appears that Prime Minister Kim believes a more severe penalty is warranted and has issued instructions accordingly.
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