Military Accountability: Are Officers Being Made Scapegoats in South Korea’s Emergency Rule?

On December 10th, Representative Han Ki-ho of the People Power Party, representing Chuncheon-Cheorwon-Hwacheon-Yanggu, called on the government to “cease scapegoating soldiers who faithfully followed orders under the Lee Jae-myung administration.”
In a press conference at the National Assembly’s briefing room, Han stated, “It’s only natural that 23 military generals and others who received severe disciplinary actions related to the martial law declaration have filed appeals.” The Ministry of National Defense reported that 23 out of 31 senior military officials disciplined in connection with the martial law have appealed the disciplinary committee’s decisions.
Han emphasized, “Soldiers are typically expected to comply with directives and orders from authorities. The fact that most of the disciplined officers are appealing demonstrates that these sanctions are unjust and illegitimate.”
He further argued, “While it’s appropriate to impose criminal penalties for illegal acts committed during martial law duties and to discipline those in command, the issue isn’t about denying these principles. Rather, it’s about challenging the practice of shifting blame onto frontline officers under the guise of these principles.”
Han pointed out, “The specific reasons and charges for these punishments remain unclear. The trial of the Commander-in-Chief, who holds the highest authority, is still ongoing without even a first-instance verdict. Yet, punishing junior officers below the third echelon of command completely inverts the chain of accountability.”
He concluded by warning, “The moment we shift the blame for political failures onto our troops, we compromise the military’s ability to protect our nation and its citizens. This is a critical point we must never forget.”