Defense ministry in controversy for hastily discharging commander

By Jun Ji-hye

Shin Hyun-don

The defense ministry is facing a growing controversy after a former four-star general, who had been dishonorably discharged in September, was cleared later - by the ministry - of any wrongdoings.

Former First ROK Army commander Shin Hyun-don was discharged on Sept. 2 following allegations that he behaved inappropriately after drinking at a party he hosted after giving a lecture on national security at his former high school on June 19.

Shin said he was not guilty of inappropriate behavior though he admitted drinking at the party.

In its reasons for dismissing him, the Ministry of National Defense said Shin was in violation of an order on heightened readiness. It also said that after drinking with his high school friends, Shin was seen in public in the bathroom of a highway rest stop in Ochang, North Chungcheong Province, with the jacket of his military uniform unbuttoned and a member of his entourage tussled with a civilian there.

However, the ministry decided through its inspection conducted in mid-September ahead of a National Assembly audit that Shin was not disorderly despite drinking with his friends.

“There was no tussle with civilians either,” said a ministry official, Monday.

It is being alleged that the ministry tried to cover up the doubtful aspects to his discharge.

Shin has complained of an injustice. “I obtained permission in advance to visit the high school. Yes, I drank with my friends, but I never behaved inappropriately as widely reported,” he told reporters.

The ministry refused to elaborate on the matter.

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