SEOUL: Concerns are mounting over South Korea's military readiness in light of recent suspensions of multiple generals and commanders following the short-lived imposition of martial law. These suspensions have raised questions about the country's ability to respond to potential threats from North Korea.According to Yonhap News Agency, former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun has been arrested and charged with a significant role in President Yoon Suk Yeol's martial law declaration on December 3. Alongside Kim, six generals have been suspended, including leaders from the defense intelligence, capital defense, and special warfare commands. Among the latest suspensions is Army Chief of Staff Gen. Park An-su, who was the chief martial law commander during the brief imposition of martial law. Gen. Park maintains that he was not responsible for drafting the military decree that restricted political activities.These suspensions have created a leadership vacuum in key military units essential for operations against N orth Korea, such as the Capital Defense Command and the Army Special Warfare Command. These units are tasked with critical missions, including the defense of the greater Seoul area and conducting special operations against enemy entities.In the wake of Kim's resignation, Choi Byung-hyuk, a retired Army general and current ambassador to Saudi Arabia, has been nominated as the new defense minister. However, the timing of his parliamentary confirmation hearing remains uncertain. Meanwhile, President Yoon continues to hold the chief command of the armed forces, a situation that adds to the existing uncertainties as he faces insurrection charges.Jeon Ha-kyou, spokesperson for the defense ministry, addressed the concerns about military readiness, asserting that the ministry does not perceive any deficiencies in operational readiness. "Under such a command system, field and operations units are currently conducting duties and no insufficiency is believed to exist regarding their readiness and operational postur e," Jeon stated in a press briefing.Pyongyang's state media has recently commented on the situation, highlighting the opposition's efforts to impeach President Yoon and blaming him for the chaos. Despite the political turmoil, there have been no reported military provocations from North Korea this month, aside from sending balloons filled with trash across the border in late November.
- September 13, 2026
