Military commander chastises his own ‘incompetent’ leadership following South Korea’s declaration of martial law

A senior commander has come forward with a painful confession following South Korea’s farcical fling with martial law last week.

A South Korean military commander has chastised himself in a candid confession, admitting he was ashamed of his actions during the nation’s fleeting but dramatic fling with martial law last week.

Kim Hyun-tae, the commander of South Korea’s 707th Special Missions Group, took full responsibility for the deployment of troops to the National Assembly on December 3, which occurred moments after President Yoon Suk Yeol rocked the nation with the highly unpopular mandate.

Soldiers lined the streets of Seoul in a flash. “Anti-state forces” were conspiring and South Korea needed the full force of the military to defend the nation’s freedom, according to President Yoon.

There have been various accusations for the true reason behind Yoon’s radical proclamation. Details aside, the big picture was too outrageous to commit to for a nation that prides itself as the beacon of liberalism in the region.

Out of nowhere, it had shifted into something much more draconian at the whim of its leader.

South Korea’s Martial Law Command was briefly in effect with the following:

1. All political activities, including activities of the National Assembly, local councils, political parties, political associations, rallies, and demonstrations, are prohibited.

2. All acts that deny or attempt to overthrow the liberal democratic system are prohibited, and fake news, manipulation of public opinion, and false propaganda are prohibited.

3. All media and publications are subject to the control of the Martial Law Command.

4. Strikes, work stoppages, and rallies that incite social unrest are prohibited.

5. All medical personnel, including residents, who are on strike or have left the medical field must return to their original jobs within 48 hours and faithfully perform their duties, and violations will be punished under the Martial Law.

6. Measures shall be taken to minimise inconveniences in the daily lives of good citizens, excluding anti-state forces and other forces that overthrow the system.

Violators of the above proclamation were at risk of being “arrested, detained, and searched without a warrant”.

‘Anti-state forces’ were conspiring and South Korea needed the full force of the military to defend the nation’s freedom, according to President Yoon. Picture: Jung Yeon-je / AFP

Out of nowhere, South Korea had shifted into something much more draconian at the whim of its leader. Picture: Jung Yeon-je / AFP

The scene was quickly turning into a chapter of 1984, but Yoon’s furious anti-authoritarian opponents were immediately on the case with a majority of politicians unanimously rejecting the decree.

Soldiers like Kim Hyun-tae have shown remorse in their immediate compliance with the declaration, which proved as a reminder of just how quickly thousands of militarymen can be rallied in a heartbeat.

During a press conference at the War Memorial in central Seoul, Kim issued a heartfelt apology admitting to giving a number of orders he his now ashamed of.

“I was the one who ordered the soldiers to head to the National Assembly and break the windows to enter,” Kim said via Korea JoongAng Daily.

“I will take responsibility for all the wrongdoings of 707th soldiers as their commander.”

Kim admitted to ordering 197 soldiers to confront those blocking access to the building, an operation that led to controversy and widespread coverage in the global media.

“I am an incompetent and irresponsible commander. I pushed the unit to the brink,” Kim confessed.

“The troops are not at fault. If they are guilty of anything, it is following the orders of an incapable commander.”

Kim described his men as “your sons and daughters who love this country” and labelled them “the most pitiable victims used by former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun.”

South Korean lawmakers started voting on December 7 on a motion to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol over his short-lived declaration of martial law. Picture: JEON HEON-KYUN / POOL / AFP

Protests have been ongoing. Picture: Anthony Wallace/AFP

South Korea’s internal political climate has been dramatically shaken-up, adding to pressures the nation has faced in its recently-flared tensions with the North. Picture: JEON HEON-KYUN / POOL / AFP

South Korean authorities have now banned top officials from leaving the country following the political firestorm.

One day after President Yoon himself was hit with a travel ban, his party was forging a “resignation roadmap” that may see him step aside in the new year.

Internal investigators are probing the president and his allies over what is being described as an insurrection.

On Tuesday Cho Ji-ho, commissioner general of the Korean National Police Agency, and two other top police officials became the latest to be banned from foreign travel, the Seoul-based Yonhap news agency reported.

South Korea Army chief General Park An-su (C) answers lawmakers' questions during an emergency session of the parliamentary defence committee. Picture: Jung Yeon-je / AFP

President Yoon has survived an impeachment effort by the skin of his teeth, as tens of thousands turned out to preach for his immediate sacking.

As a result, Yoon still has control of South Korea’s military, which is not sitting well with his most ardent critics.

“Legally, (control of military forces) currently lies with the commander in chief,” defence ministry spokesperson Jeon Ha-kyou said.

Yoon has continued to apologise for “anxiety and inconvenience” caused by his declaration of martial law. He has also claimed said he will accept all political and legal responsibility for the crisis.

Originally published as Military commander chastises his own ‘incompetent’ leadership following South Korea’s declaration of martial law