The recent martial law crisis has deeply tarnished the military’s pride and honor. Aside from President Yoon Suk-yeol and former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, most personnel involved in the operation acted reluctantly, with some openly resisting orders.
Members of the 707th Special Mission Group, an elite unit often called the “decapitation unit” for its mission to target North Korea’s leadership during crises, testified that they boarded helicopters under the belief they were heading to a North Korea-related mission. Instead, they were shocked to find themselves deployed to the National Assembly. When ordered to remove lawmakers, they reportedly questioned the directive, saying, “How can you use us, the most elite soldiers, for an operation at the National Assembly?” Their hesitation was clear. They added, “We don’t even know the layout of the Assembly. If this operation had been real, we would have all been killed.” Their testimony underscores the betrayal felt by soldiers who dedicate themselves to service with honor and patriotism despite low pay and poor working conditions. It is disgraceful that they were subjected to such indignity.
Equally disappointing was the behavior of the generals who executed the operation under orders from the president and defense minister. On Dec. 6, key commanders spent the day appearing on personal broadcasts and giving interviews to Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) lawmakers, offering excuses. Their desperation to avoid accountability was evident, leaving many to wonder how the rank and file must have felt watching their leaders scramble to protect themselves.
In response, the Ministry of National Defense suspended three key martial law commanders on Dec. 6, including the leaders of the Capital Defense Command, the Army Special Warfare Command, and the Defense Counterintelligence Command. Additionally, the ministry’s prosecution unit requested exit bans for 10 active-duty officers, including the Army Chief of Staff, who face charges of insurrection. With these critical figures either suspended or under investigation, swift reorganization of military leadership is essential to prevent gaps in national defense.
With the core figures removed, it is crucial for the political establishment to avoid further undermining the military. Restoring the military’s pride and patriotism begins with holding those responsible for this disgraceful episode accountable. Only through their just punishment can the military rebuild its dignity and stability.
