South Korea Arrests Army Chief of Staff General Park - Yonhap

South Korea Arrests Army Chief of Staff General Park - Yonhap

South Korea's Army Chief of Staff, General Park An-su, was suspended from his duties on December 12, 2024, following his involvement in the recent imposition of martial law [1]. This suspension comes after Park served as the chief martial law commander during President Yoon Suk Yeol's short-lived declaration of martial law on December 3, 2024 [1][2].

The defense ministry announced the suspension, stating that Park was removed from his position due to his involvement in the martial law imposition [1]. Park had argued during a parliamentary session that he learned about the martial law declaration through Yoon's televised address, claiming he was not responsible for the drafting of the document [1]. Despite offering to resign to former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun on the day the martial rule was lifted, Park had remained in office after Yoon rejected his offer [1].

Park's suspension marks the latest in a series of military commanders who have been removed from their duties amidst a widening probe into their involvement in the martial law imposition [1]. Six other senior military personnel, including the commanders of the Capital Defense Command, the Army Special Warfare Command, the Counterintelligence Command, and the Defense Intelligence Command, were also suspended earlier [1].

The total number of military officials removed from their positions due to allegations tied to President Yoon's surprise martial law declaration now stands at eight, with former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun currently in custody for allegedly assisting Yoon in the declaration [2].

References:

[1] Yonhap. (2024, December 12). Army chief of staff suspended over martial law involvement. https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20241212004051315

[2] Korea Herald. (2024, December 12). Army chief of staff suspended over martial law involvement. https://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20241212050021