Ministry of National Defense, Reconfirms Stance of Not Accepting Demand for Second Martial Law Upon President Yoon Suk-yeol's Return

The Ministry of National Defense reiterated its position of not accepting any demands for a second martial law, even if President Yoon Suk-yeol returns to his duties following the Constitutional Court's impeachment ruling.

On the 3rd, the spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, Jeong Ha-gyu, clearly answered the question during a regular press briefing, "What is the Ministry's position if President Yoon Suk-yeol demands a second martial law upon his return?" by stating, "The position that was expressed by the acting Minister of National Defense, Kim Sun-ho, during the initial situation (the emergency martial law on December 3) remains valid."

In response to a follow-up question, “Is the existing position that the demand for a second martial law will not be accepted the same?” the former spokesperson replied firmly, "Yes."

The acting Minister of National Defense, Kim Sun-ho, declared a tough stance regarding the 'circumstances of a second martial law' that was raised by some after declaring the emergency martial law on December 3, when he stated through a statement on December 6 last year, "Even if there are demands for the declaration of martial law, the Ministry of National Defense and the Joint Chiefs of Staff will absolutely not accept it."

The existing position of the Ministry of National Defense and the developments related to martial law

The acting Minister Kim stated at the time, "Even if there are demands for the declaration of martial law, the Ministry of National Defense and the Joint Chiefs of Staff will absolutely not accept it."

This reaffirmation by the Ministry of National Defense is interpreted as a preemptive expression of stance in anticipation of the possibility of President Yoon Suk-yeol returning to office based on the Constitutional Court's impeachment ruling.

The Ministry of National Defense has made it clear that it intends to maintain the political neutrality of the military in accordance with the Constitution and the law under any circumstances.

Currently, President Yoon Suk-yeol is in a state of suspension from duties due to the passage of the impeachment motion by the National Assembly, and the Constitutional Court is in the process of reviewing the impeachment.

If the Constitutional Court dismisses the impeachment, President Yoon will immediately return to his duties.

This statement by the Ministry of National Defense reconfirms its commitment to uphold constitutional values and the principle of the rule of law irrespective of political situations, suggesting that military neutrality will be maintained despite future political changes.

Image sources: President Yoon Suk-yeol / News1, Acting Minister of National Defense Kim Sun-ho / News1