S. Korea’s Defence Ministry says ‘no military mobilisation’ for 2nd martial law even if Yoon returns
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Supporters of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol gathering outside the presidential residence in Seoul on April 4.
PHOTO: AFP
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SEOUL – The Ministry of National Defence on April 3 reaffirmed its stance not to comply in the hypothetical event that currently suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol is reinstated and orders the reimposition of martial law.
The ministry’s reassurance comes a day before the Constitutional Court announces its ruling on the impeachment trial of Mr Yoon,
“Our stance still stands, which was mentioned by the then Vice-Defence Minister (Acting Defence Minister Kim Seon-ho) in the aftermath of such situation (the Dec 3 to 4 martial law),” said ministry spokesperson Jeon Ha-kyou.
The stance refers to Mr Kim’s Dec 6 statement that the Defence Ministry and the military will not comply with a potential order for a second martial law from the President.
More than 1,500 soldiers were mobilised late in the night for martial law on Dec 3, ordered by several high-ranking military commanders who acted under authority of then Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun.
Mr Kim Yong-hyun, the military commanders and top police chiefs responsible for acting in accordance with Mr Yoon’s orders on Dec 3 to 4 are currently undergoing criminal trials for insurrection charges as well.
Mr Yoon, suspected of leading the alleged insurrection, also faces a criminal trial for insurrection in addition to the impeachment trial. THE KOREA HERALD/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
