Seoul: The defense ministry announced on Tuesday its decision to dismiss six military officers from their positions following indictments related to their alleged involvement in the failed imposition of martial law last December.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Brig. Gen. Lee Sang-hyun, commander of the 1st Special Forces Brigade, Col. Kim Hyun-tae, head of the Army's 707th Special Mission Group, and four additional officers are set to be dismissed on Wednesday. The six officials were charged last month by prosecutors with abuse of power and participation in an insurrection. These charges stem from an investigation into the martial law declaration made by impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol on December 3.
The defense ministry is contemplating further action against the officials, such as placing them on compulsory leave. However, Maj. Gen. Park Heon-su, head of the ministry's criminal investigation command, will not face dismissal despite being indicted for his alleged role in the martial law activities. A ministry official indicated that if Park were dismissed, he would be automatically discharged from service, which would prevent further military disciplinary action. The ministry is considering other punitive measures against him.
Additionally, the ministry has already dismissed other high-ranking military personnel implicated in the martial law operations, including Lt. Gen. Yeo In-hyung, the former chief of the Defense Counterintelligence Command.