The defense ministry said Wednesday it has defined pro-North Korean groups in South Korea as "enemies" in its education guideline for service members.
The guideline, submitted to an opposition lawmaker, said those who "recklessly follow North Korea's policy aimed at threatening the national security of the Republic of Korea" are "enemy benefiting forces." The Republic of Korea is South Korea's official name.
The ministry singled out nine pro-North Korean civic and student groups as "anti-state organizations," citing a 2010 Supreme Court ruling that defined North Korea as an "anti-state entity seeking to build a communist society in the South." The guideline states, "They are clearly the enemy of the (South Korean) military."
It is the first time the South Korean defense ministry has officially made such materials on pro-North Korea forces, with the approval of the defense minister. The defense ministry ordered troops to use the materials for security education in boot camps, combat units and military education organizations.
The latest move came after the ministry banned field units from producing unauthorized educational releases for use at security awareness sessions for service members, after some such materials were accused of having a political bias.
"The materials were aimed at maintaining consistency in security awareness education for all troops and to prevent the arbitrary production of such materials," a ministry official said.
The 18-page guideline said pro-North Korea forces deny South Korea's history and national identity and attempt to emasculate the powers of the government by confusing terms and agitating society.
"Masking their true nature, they mastermind or lead demonstrations from behind the scenes," the guideline said, describing such groups as a "malicious virus."
Some left-wing forces call for the 28,500 U.S. troops in South Korea to leave the country and for the abolishment of the National Security Law, which prohibits citizens from sympathizing with Pyongyang. Some liberal activists have been jailed for traveling to the North without government approval or possessing materials that praise the Pyongyang regime, as prohibited by law.
Rep. Jin Sung-joon of the main opposition Democratic United Party urged the military to pay attention to maintaining political balance when using the materials in education for service members.
"Pro-North Korea forces and liberal groups should be differentiated," Jin said in a statement. "When the troops educate (soldiers), they should not include politically controversial contents."
In South Korea, a country that is still technically at war with the North as a legacy of 1950-53 Korean War, the stance on the communist neighbor and its regime often defines the identity of political parties and civic groups and sparks hot debates between presidential candidates in campaigns.
South Korea will elect a new president in December as President Lee Myung-bak is constitutionally barred from seeking re-election after his five-year term ends in February of next year. (Yonhap)