South Korea’s former defense minister, Kim Jong-hyun, ordered the military to enter South Korea’s parliament building and prevent lawmakers from entering, following President Jun Sok-yol’s surprise declaration of martial law. This was stated by Deputy Minister Kim Seon-ho during the parliamentary session on Thursday. TASR took the information from the Jonhap agency.
President Jun unexpectedly announced the declaration of martial law in an unannounced speech on Tuesday. In it, the head of state accused the opposition of anti-state activities and sympathies towards North Korea. This happened at a time when his party and the opposition cannot agree on next year’s budget.
More than 280 soldiers, supported by 24 helicopters, subsequently tried to occupy the parliament building. Despite the chaos and skirmishes in front of the building of the legislature, however, the deputies managed to gather, and less than three hours after the declaration of martial law, the parliament approved by a majority of votes the proposal to abolish it.
“Once again I deeply apologize to the people,” declared Kim Seon-ho. “I personally feel devastated, very sad and saddened,” stated. The deputy minister explained to the deputies that he was personally against the deployment of troops to enforce the rules of martial law and that he could not predict what would happen and prevent it. “I am fully aware of my responsibility for this situation and will bear all responsibility for it,” said the deputy.
He allegedly learned about the declaration of martial law only from the media. He also clarified to the deputies that he does not know who is the author of the text of the declaration of martial law. However, according to his information, the Ministry of Defense was not involved in the text.
South Korean ground forces commander Pak An-su, who was designated as martial law commander, appeared in front of parliament on Wednesday, during which he issued a decree banning all political activity. He told MPs that before declaring martial law, he suggested that the legality of such a move be subjected to legal analysis. However, the former defense minister allegedly told him that they had already taken such a step.
The South Korean president accepted the resignation of Defense Minister Kim Jong-hyun on Thursday night. On Wednesday, he apologized to citizens for the chaos caused by the declaration of martial law and offered his resignation. According to media reports, it was Kim who advised President Jun to declare martial law.
