Military denies allegations of preparing for second martial law
Deputy Defense Minister Kim Sun-ho, right, and Army Chief of Staff Park An-soo (former martial law commander) listen to lawmakers' inquiries during at the National Assembly, Thursday. Newsis
Military authorities denied allegations made by groups such as the Center for Military Human Rights Korea (CMHRK) that preparations were underway for a second martial law.
Speaking to the Defense Ministry press corps on Friday, officials from the Ministry of National Defense and the Joint Chiefs of Staff said, "No military action has been ordered at the ministry level regarding the alleged second martial law. Strengthened military readiness is being maintained, and any unit movements are conducted with prior approval from the Joint Chiefs of Staff."
The CMHRK previously said that multiple Army units were instructed to prepare for an emergency recall of commanding officers by Sunday, calling this evidence of "suspicious signs of a second martial law."
In response, a military official said, "We are reviewing the claims made by the Center for Military Human Rights, but there is no intent for such action. The Army headquarters has not issued any directives restricting leave for commanders or personnel, and leave is currently proceeding as normal."
Opposition on standby over reports of second martial law
The Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) also said that all 170 of its lawmakers will remain on emergency standby within the National Assembly premises starting Friday.
This decision comes amid reports suggesting that President Yoon Suk Yeol may declare a second martial law. The DPK aims to ensure that, in the event of such a declaration, its members can promptly attend a plenary session to adopt a resolution demanding the termination of martial law.
DPK spokesperson Cho Seung-rae said, "We have received numerous reports and concerns regarding a potential second martial law. Our lawmakers will not leave the National Assembly grounds and will remain on emergency standby."
This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.