'Palgakmo Sanai' Status Changes... Marine Corps Flag Officially Recognized as Military Flag

Yoon's Pledge: Transition to Four Armed Forces with Marine Corps Independence

Marine Corps Honor Guard

[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Hee-jun] The Marine Corps flag will be granted legal status as an official military flag. This appears to be a preliminary measure to strengthen the status and enhance the functions of the Marine Corps ahead of President Yoon Suk-yeol's push for the 'independence of the Marine Corps.'

The Ministry of National Defense announced on the 14th that on the 11th, a draft amendment to the Military Flag Regulation, which adds the Marine Corps flag to the types of military flags, was publicly notified for legislation.

Although the status of the Marine Corps, which belongs to the Navy within the three-armed forces system, has been strengthened through amendments to the Armed Forces Organization Act, the Marine Corps flag, symbolizing the entire Marine Corps organization, was not legally included among the types of military flags. According to the draft amendment to the Military Flag Regulation, the types of military flags will be classified as the Joint Chiefs of Staff flag, each service branch flag, Marine Corps flag, unit flag, branch flag, and small unit flag by adding the Marine Corps flag.

Until now, the National Cemetery did not raise the Marine Corps flag during memorial ceremonies and other tribute events, but in June this year, Defense Minister Lee Jong-seop placed the Marine Corps flag for the first time at the site of the 72nd anniversary memorial of the Korean War. Following the pilot raising of the Marine Corps flag, the amendment to the Military Flag Regulation was initiated, which is interpreted as a measure reflecting the elevated status of the Marine Corps.

President Yoon Suk-yeol pledged during his presidential campaign to promote the Marine Corps commander to a four-star general (General) and to transition to a 'four-armed forces system' including the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps.

The Marine Corps is currently pursuing a mid- to long-term plan to become independent from the Navy and transition to a 'four-armed forces system.' The Ministry of National Defense is conducting policy research, recognizing the need to build public consensus for the independence of the Marine Corps, and the Marine Corps plans to accelerate the acquisition of unmanned capabilities, such as unmanned Korean-style amphibious assault vehicles, to strengthen its status.

Meanwhile, the National Assembly amended the Military Personnel Act in 2019 to open the way for the Marine Corps commander to be promoted to a four-star general. The current commander is Lieutenant General (three-star) Kim Tae-seong. The Ministry of National Defense plans to complete follow-up procedures such as public notification by the 21st of next month and implement the amended Military Flag Regulation early next year.

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