Seoul: Defense Minister nominee Kang Shin-chul on Wednesday expressed his deep regret and sense of responsibility regarding the brief imposition of martial law in 2024. This apology was made during a parliamentary confirmation hearing, where he addressed concerns over the incident that took place while he served as the deputy commander of the South Korea-U.S. Combined Forces Command (CFC).
According to Yonhap News Agency, Kang faced scrutiny from a ruling party lawmaker who emphasized that he cannot escape "moral" and "political" accountability for the martial law declared on December 3 by former President Yoon Suk Yeol. Kang acknowledged his "heavy accountability and deep responsibility" due to his high-ranking position at the time, and offered a sincere apology to the citizens of South Korea.
Kang described the martial law declaration as an act that undermined the constitutional order by the military. Although he was a four-star Army general during the decree, Kang distanced himself from any direct involvement, attributing his role at the time as CFC deputy commander. He recounted advising then U.S. Forces Korea Commander General Paul LaCamera to trust South Korea's legal system, especially as the National Assembly moved to demand the lifting of martial law.
In addition to addressing the martial law incident, Kang discussed the government's initiative to integrate the military academies of the Army, Navy, and Air Force. He expressed a strong commitment to innovating these institutions, while also acknowledging that the current plan put forth by the defense ministry requires further refinement. Kang promised to evaluate and address these concerns upon his appointment.