The Ministry of National Defense on Thursday 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 Yoon, who has been charged with insurrection and power abuse regarding his orders following the Dec. 3, 2024 declaration of martial law.
"Our stance still stands, which was mentioned by the then-vice defense minister (acting Defense Minister Kim Seon-ho) in the aftermath of such situation (the Dec. 3-4 martial law)," said ministry spokesperson Jeon Ha-kyou. The stance refers to Kim's Dec. 6 statement that the Defense Ministry and the military will not comply with a potential order for a second martial law from the president.
Over 1,500 soldiers were mobilized late in the night for martial law on Dec. 3, ordered by several high-ranking military commanders who acted under authority of then-Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun. Kim, the military commanders and top police chiefs responsible for acting in accordance with Yoon's orders on Dec. 3-4 are currently undergoing criminal trials for insurrection charges as well.
Yoon, suspected of leading the alleged insurrection, also faces a criminal trial for insurrection in addition to the aforementioned impeachment trial.
minsikyoon@heraldcorp.com
