Seoul: The Navy has announced the postponement of an international fleet review that was initially slated for May, moving it to the latter half of the year. This decision comes in the wake of political unrest following the martial law declaration by the detained President Yoon Suk Yeol last month.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the fleet review was originally planned to be held in Busan, located 320 kilometers southeast of Seoul, to commemorate the 80th anniversaries of South Korea's liberation from Japanese colonial rule (1910-45) and the establishment of the Navy. However, due to "various domestic circumstances," the Navy official stated that the timing of the event will be reconsidered.
The postponement highlights the impact of the political situation in South Korea, particularly the fallout from President Yoon's martial law declaration and the subsequent deployment of troops to the National Assembly. This marks a significant moment of political tension and military involvement in the country's recent history.
Should the event eventually take place, it will be the first international fleet review hosted by the Navy since 2018. The 2018 fleet review was notable for Japan's absence, following a dispute over its intention to fly the Rising Sun ensign, which is seen in Korea as a representation of Japan's imperialist history.