Ministry of Defense: “Consolidation of Will to Implement Key Defense Policies” – (Seoul=NEWS1) Reporter Heo Go-eun reports that Minister of Defense Ahn Kyu-baek is holding a major military commanders’ meeting on the 3rd, marking the first anniversary of the December 3 Martial Law, with over 150 key military position holders at the Ministry of Defense headquarters in Yongsan-gu, Seoul.
The Ministry of Defense stated on this day, “Minister Ahn is determined to consolidate the commitment to pursue key defense policies such as rebuilding the people’s army that upholds constitutional values, restructuring military forces by 2040, transitioning wartime operational control, and improving treatment and welfare for officers.”
This marks the second major military commanders’ meeting presided over by Minister Ahn since he took office on July 25. At the time, Minister Ahn urged the military to transform into a strong force that is loyal to the people and based on constitutional values.
As the meeting coincides with the first anniversary of the martial law, Minister Ahn is expected to convey a message about completing swift consequences related to the martial law and rebuilding the “people’s army.”
On the previous day, Minister Ahn posted a message titled “Statement on the 1st Anniversary of December 3 Martial Law” on his Facebook, stating, “Our military, which should protect the people, was involved in an insurrection and put the public at risk. As a representative of the military, I formally apologize.”
Minister Ahn also emphasized, “Insurrections hidden in various places will never escape the people’s net,” and stated that going forward, “our military will part with the complacency of ‘going along to get along’ and choose the path of discerning right from wrong with wise judgment and courageous reform.”
In addition to follow-up measures related to the martial law, the meeting will also address future defense policies beyond 2026, with Minister Ahn expected to reveal plans to enhance the treatment and welfare of military officers.
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■ Wartime Operational Control
It is the authority to command and control the joint military forces of South Korea and the United States in times of emergency. Currently, it is held by the Commander of the ROK-U.S. Combined Forces Command, who is also the Commander of U.S. Forces Korea. During the Korean War in 1950, President Syngman Rhee transferred command of the South Korean military to General MacArthur of the United Nations Command. In 1978, the ROK-U.S. Combined Forces Command was established, and operational control was transferred to the Combined Forces Commander. In 1994, South Korea regained peacetime operational control, and talks on transferring wartime operational control began between South Korea and the U.S. in 2006. Once this control is transferred, the Combined Forces Command will be restructured into a “future combined command” led by a South Korean general.