Ahn Gyubaek Reiterates "No Change" on Clarifying Military Service Allegations

First Civilian Defense Minister in 64 Years to Be Replaced After Just Over a Year in Office
Ministry of National Defense Forms Task Force for Kang Shincheol's Confirmation Hearing

On August 31, Minister of National Defense Ahn Kyubaek commented on the allegations regarding his detention at a military guardhouse, saying, "I am limited in what I can say at this time, as the matter is currently under investigation by the relevant authorities."

Minister Ahn made these remarks while attending the National Assembly's Special Committee on Budget and Accounts’ review of non-economic ministries. In response to an independent lawmaker Han Donghoon's question, "Have you ever been to a military guardhouse for any reason?", Minister Ahn replied as above. When Han pointed out, "Such an answer means that, for the public, it may appear as though you indeed have been held in a guardhouse," Ahn responded, "I expect the facts to come to light soon," refraining from further elaboration.

Yonhap News

Jung Bitna, spokesperson of the Ministry of National Defense, addressed related questions at a regular briefing that day by saying, "The Minister's position remains unchanged, and I will substitute my answer with that." Spokesperson Jung further commented, "(As the first civilian Minister), Minister Ahn has pursued various national defense reform initiatives and is expected to faithfully carry out his duties until his final day in office."

Previously, Kim Youngsoo, head of the National Defense Rights Research Institute, accused Minister Ahn of perjury, claiming that Ahn had falsely stated during the National Assembly confirmation hearing in July last year that he had never deserted his post nor been detained. In June, Kim filed a police complaint against Minister Ahn for violating the Act on Testimony and Appraisal before the National Assembly.

When repeatedly asked, "Have you ever deserted your post?" and "Have you ever been misunderstood as a deserter by the military or a public institution?" Minister Ahn initially answered "No." As the same question was asked again, he said, "The truth will be revealed soon" and added, "I expect this will come to light soon after I step down as Minister."

Ahn Kyubaek, who became Minister of National Defense as the first civilian in 64 years, will be replaced just over a year after his appointment, as President Lee Jaemyung named Kang Shincheol, South Korean ambassador to Saudi Arabia and former deputy commander of the ROK-US Combined Forces Command, as the new candidate for the position the previous day. As the first Minister of National Defense in the Lee Jaemyung administration, Ahn energetically pursued reforms, including the integration of military academies and the transfer of wartime operational control, but faced attacks from the opposition regarding suspicions of desertion during his own mandatory military service as a defense soldier (short-term service member).

Meanwhile, the Ministry of National Defense has formed a task force (TF) to prepare for the confirmation hearing of the nominee Kang Shincheol. Kang, currently serving as ambassador to Saudi Arabia, is expected to return to South Korea soon to begin preparations for the hearing.

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