Seoul: Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back is set to preside over a pivotal meeting with key military commanders to discuss plans for rebuilding the military, focusing on restoring public trust a year after a failed martial law attempt involving high-ranking military officials.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the meeting, slated for later in the day, follows Minister Ahn’s recent apology regarding the military’s involvement in former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s brief martial law bid on December 3 of the previous year. This attempt saw troops deployed to the National Assembly to prevent lawmakers from voting against the decree. The meeting will involve around 150 key military officials, who are expected to deliberate on strategies for restructuring the military by 2040 and enhancing working conditions for officers.
Top generals appointed by the previous administration, including former Army Chief of Staff Gen. Park An-su and Lt. Gen. Yeo In-hyung, are currently facing trial for their roles in the insurrection. Minister Ahn, who is the first civilian to serve as defense chief in 64 years and a seasoned lawmaker, has committed to transforming the military into an institution that serves the people rather than being a tool for emergency martial law.
Beyond addressing internal reforms, the meeting is anticipated to cover South Korea’s efforts to regain wartime operational control from the United States. This goal is aimed to be achieved within President Lee Jae Myung’s current term, ending in 2030. During a recent annual security meeting, Minister Ahn and U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth acknowledged significant progress in their bilateral assessment of readiness posture and capabilities and agreed to create a roadmap to accelerate the conditions necessary for this transition.