Seoul: President Lee Jae Myung on Tuesday awarded symbolic swords to seven newly promoted generals, including Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) chairman nominee Air Force Gen. Jin Yong-sung. At a ceremony at the presidential office, Lee presented the "samjeonggeom" sword to Jin, the chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, the deputy commander of the South Korea-U.S. Combined Forces Command, the Army chief of staff, and the chief of naval operations.
According to Yonhap News Agency, President Lee underscored the importance of duty and integrity during the ceremony, urging the generals to serve the nation with dedication to restore public trust in the military. This trust had been previously undermined by the failed attempt of ousted President Yoon Suk Yeol to impose martial law. Presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung conveyed Lee's message to reporters, emphasizing loyalty to the nation over political power.
"Be loyal to the nation, not to political power, and carry out your duty to the office, not to yourself," Lee was quoted as saying by Kang. The presentation of the swords, a tradition for newly promoted generals, symbolizes national defense, unity, and prosperity.
Jin Yong-sung, who received a promotion to four-star general, is required to undergo a confirmation hearing prior to his formal appointment. The ceremony highlighted President Lee's role as commander in chief, reinforcing the traditional and symbolic values associated with the military leadership in South Korea.