Seoul: Defense Minister nominee Kang Shin-chul on Wednesday expressed regret over the brief imposition of martial law in 2024, acknowledging his responsibility for the incident during his tenure as the deputy commander of the South Korea-U.S. Combined Forces Command (CFC).
According to Yonhap News Agency, Kang delivered his apology at a parliamentary confirmation hearing, where a ruling party lawmaker emphasized his "moral" and "political" responsibility for the martial law declared on December 3 under former President Yoon Suk Yeol. Kang acknowledged his accountability, stating, "I offer my sincere apologies to the people" and described the martial law as a disruption to the constitutional order.
At the time of the martial law decree, Kang was a four-star Army general, serving as the CFC deputy commander, which allowed him to avoid direct involvement. He recounted advising then U.S. Forces Korea Commander General Paul LaCamera to trust South Korea's legal system, as the National Assembly had passed a motion to lift martial law.
Discussing Seoul's aspiration to regain wartime operational control (OPCON) from Washington, Kang asserted that an immediate transfer would not pose issues but emphasized the importance of the South Korea-U.S. alliance. He stated, "It is important to transfer OPCON under the solidarity of the South Korea-U.S. alliance where mutual trust is guaranteed." Kang noted that Seoul aims to complete the transfer before the Lee Jae Myung administration's term ends in 2030.
Kang also addressed the potential deployment of South Korean troops to the Strait of Hormuz, highlighting that no decision has been made yet. He pledged to prioritize public safety and national interest if appointed as minister. The topic has gained attention due to U.S. pressure on Seoul to contribute to maintaining freedom of navigation in the strategic area.
Regarding the government's plan to integrate the military academies of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, Kang expressed his commitment to innovation, although he admitted the current blueprint requires improvements, which he intends to review upon his appointment.
Additionally, Kang faced criticism from opposition lawmakers over allegations of falsely registering his residence in Seoul's Guro Ward in 2008 to qualify for a special housing program. Kang denied the allegations, maintaining he was unaware of the program at the time, and apologized for the issue surfacing during his confirmation hearing.