Kwak Jonggeun Initially Dismissed,
But Penalty Reduced for Cooperation in Revealing the Truth
The Ministry of National Defense has issued severe disciplinary actions, including dismissal and removal from office, against key military commanders involved in the December 3 Martial Law.
Jeong Bitna, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, announced at a briefing on the afternoon of December 29 that, in relation to the December 3 Martial Law, former Defense Security Command Chief Yeo Inhyeong, former Capital Defense Command Chief Lee Jinwoo, and former Special Warfare Command Chief Kwak Jonggeun (Lieutenant General, Army) were each given severe disciplinary actions for violating legal compliance obligations and duty of diligence. Former Army Deputy Chief of Staff Ko Hyunseok (Lieutenant General, Army) was also severely disciplined for violating legal compliance obligations.
Disciplinary actions for military personnel are categorized into severe measures, such as dismissal, removal from office, demotion, and suspension, and minor measures, such as salary reduction, probation, and reprimand. Among these, former Commanders Yeo, Lee, and former Deputy Chief Ko reportedly received the most severe penalty, which is dismissal. In the case of former Commander Kwak, the disciplinary committee initially decided on dismissal, but considering his contribution to uncovering the substantive truth of the December 3 Martial Law and restoring constitutional order, the penalty was reduced to removal from office.
The level of disciplinary action for former Intelligence Command Chief Moon Sangho has not yet been determined. Spokesperson Jeong explained, "This is due to ongoing administrative procedures."
Additionally, one colonel was also severely disciplined for violating the duty of diligence. It is reported that the disciplinary measure was a two-month suspension.
The colonel, who is affiliated with the Defense Security Command, underwent a review in accordance with relevant regulations. During the review, it was determined that the misconduct was of moderate to severe degree, as the colonel executed the order to dispatch the National Election Commission even after the National Assembly had voted to lift martial law and despite being clearly aware that the order was illegal, and proceeded with the order even after a subordinate advised against it, citing the illegality of both the lifting of martial law and the order itself.
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