S Korea s Defence Ministry says no military mobilisation for 2nd martial law even if Yoon returns

SEOUL – The Ministry of National Defence on April 3 reaffirmed its stance not to comply in the hypothetical event that currently suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol is reinstated and orders the reimposition of martial law.

The ministry’s reassurance comes a day before the Constitutional Court announces its ruling on the impeachment trial of Mr Yoon, who has been charged with insurrection and power abuse regarding his orders following the Dec 3, 2024, declaration of martial law.

“Our stance still stands, which was mentioned by the then Vice-Defence Minister (Acting Defence Minister Kim Seon-ho) in the aftermath of such situation (the Dec 3 to 4 martial law),” said ministry spokesperson Jeon Ha-kyou.

The stance refers to Mr Kim’s Dec 6 statement that the Defence Ministry and the military will not comply with a potential order for a second martial law from the President.

More than 1,500 soldiers were mobilised late in the night for martial law on Dec 3, ordered by several high-ranking military commanders who acted under authority of then Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun.

Mr Kim Yong-hyun, the military commanders and top police chiefs responsible for acting in accordance with Mr Yoon’s orders on Dec 3 to 4 are currently undergoing criminal trials for insurrection charges as well.

Mr Yoon, suspected of leading the alleged insurrection, also faces a criminal trial for insurrection in addition to the impeachment trial. THE KOREA HERALD/ASIA NEWS NETWORK

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