Seoul: The defense ministry on Thursday reaffirmed that it will not obey an order for martial law imposition even if impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol issues it in the event he is reinstated. The statement comes amidst heightened anticipation as the Constitutional Court prepares to deliver its ruling on Yoon's impeachment on Friday, nearly four months after his controversial imposition of martial law on December 3.
According to Yonhap News Agency, acting Defense Minister Kim Seon-ho had previously vowed that the defense ministry and the military would "never accept" any orders to execute martial law should they be issued again. This position was reiterated during a regular press briefing by ministry spokesperson Jeon Ha-kyou, who confirmed that the ministry's stance remains unchanged since the incident.
In response to the martial law imposition, the military has dismissed several top commanders associated with the decision, including former martial law commander Gen. Park An-su. Additionally, former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun has been indicted on charges related to insurrection and abuse of power. This decisive action underscores the military's commitment to upholding its pledge against the execution of martial law orders.