Blue House on "Military Version of Lee Geun-an" Ko Byungcheon: "Will Take Follow-up Action If Grounds for Revocation of Decoration Are Confirmed"

On April 13, the Blue House stated regarding the Order of Military Merit awarded to the late military investigator Koh Byungcheon, who was referred to as the "military version of Lee Geun-an," that "if grounds for revoking the decoration are confirmed, we will consult with the relevant ministries to ensure appropriate follow-up actions are taken."

Senior Spokesperson Yoojung Kang made this remark during a briefing at the Blue House Press Hall that afternoon, referring to a media report stating that Investigator Koh had received the decoration.

Senior Spokesperson Yoojung Kang is giving a briefing related to the Korea-Poland summit held that day at the Blue House Press Hall on April 13, 2026. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

Senior Spokesperson Kang explained, "The report pointed out that the Order of Military Merit, which he received during the era of military dictatorship, has not been revoked due to the indifference and responsibility-shifting among the ministries." She further noted, "President Lee Jaemyung has made it clear that crimes that violate the lives, freedoms, and human rights of the people through unjust exercise of public power must be thoroughly punished to the end."

She also expressed appreciation for the report, stating, "We are grateful for the coverage that has sounded the alarm on the indifference of government ministries toward honors awarded to perpetrators of state violence, which have been left unaddressed."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.