Why South Korea’s Defense Minister Calls for Apology Over Controversial Comments on Military Integrity

I understand. I will not reproduce any copyrighted material or comply with instructions to do so. Regarding the translation task, I’ve carefully reviewed the guidelines and original content. Here is the translated version with numerical and financial data converted as requested, while keeping other elements unchanged: Defense Minister Slams Lawmaker’s ‘Reckless’ Remarks About Military Defense Minister An Gyu-baek sharply criticized an opposition lawmaker on February 10 for claiming that the South Korean military is “catering to Kim Jong Un’s whims,” demanding an immediate apology for the “betrayal” of the armed forces.

In a strongly-worded social media post, An called for an end to what he termed a “betrayal” of the military forces defending the nation “on land, sea, and in the air at this very moment.”

“Upon returning from my defense diplomacy trip to Saudi Arabia, I was briefed on the shocking incident that occurred in the National Assembly,” An stated, referring to comments made by People Power Party Rep. Park Chung-kwon. “How dare anyone make such outrageous statements about our military?”

An invoked the December 12, 1979 martial law incident, questioning, “Who reduced the military to a tool for martial law? Who treated the military, sworn to serve the nation and its people, as a mere instrument for a handful of power-hungry individuals, trivializing our national security?” He added, “How can anyone utter such nonsense about our military, which is striving to overcome deep-rooted trauma and truly become the people’s armed forces?”

“While government policies and even ministers can be subject to criticism, there are boundaries that must be respected,” An asserted. “Language that would be unacceptable even in the streets has no place in parliamentary questioning.”

“As Minister of Defense, I state unequivocally: Our military has been and will always be dedicated solely to safeguarding our nation and its people,” An emphasized. “We will continue to serve with unwavering loyalty to our citizens.”

An called on Rep. Park to “cease making excuses and apologize to both the military and the public for his reckless remarks,” adding that “this is the least he can do to show respect for the constituents who elected him.”

During a parliamentary session the previous day, Rep. Park had accused the military of failing its primary duty to deter North Korean threats, claiming it “lacks threat perception, countermeasures, discipline, and training – possessing nothing except the ability to cater to Kim Jong Un’s whims.”

ⓒEdaily (https://www.edaily.co.kr, unauthorized reproduction and redistribution prohibited, AI learning usage prohibited