Seoul: A former head of the Army's special warfare unit was removed from duty Thursday on charges of ordering troops to break into the National Assembly on the night of martial law in late 2024, according to military sources.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Col. Kim Hyun-tae, former head of the Army Special Warfare Command's 707th Special Mission Group, is among four senior Army officers who were removed from office. This removal represents the toughest level of disciplinary action over their involvement in the martial law bid. Kim is specifically accused of leading troops to storm into the National Assembly to prevent lawmakers from voting down the martial law decree.
The defense ministry has stated that it imposed "heavy" disciplinary action against the four officers, all holding the rank of colonel. However, the ministry has not disclosed their identities or the specific level of punishment. The officers are currently standing trial on charges of playing a key role in an insurrection related to the martial law decree.
This decision followed a disciplinary committee meeting convened by the defense ministry last week, which included six officers, four of whom have now been removed from office.