[Yang Nak-gyu's Defence Club] 'Security Line Reshuffle' Including Defense Minister Amid Rapidly Changing Domestic and International Situations

Opposition's Impeachment Raises Concerns Over 'Defense Vacuum'
Considering North Korea-Russia Summit and Security Situation on the Korean Peninsula

The replacement of Defense Minister Lee Jong-seop is seen as part of a 'security line overhaul.' This is because Lim Jong-deuk, the 2nd Deputy Director of the National Security Office, and Lim Ki-hoon, the Defense Secretary, are also being replaced. The opposition party, the Democratic Party of Korea, has been pushing for the impeachment of Minister Lee in connection with allegations of 'external pressure' during the investigation of the death of Marine Corps Corporal Chae Mo and the controversy over the removal of General Hong Beom-do’s bust installed at the Korea Military Academy.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Minister Lee tendered his resignation the day before. This appears to be primarily influenced by considerations of current legal provisions. According to Article 134, Paragraph 2 of the National Assembly Act, the president, who holds the personnel authority, cannot accept the resignation or dismiss a person who has been impeached. If the Democratic Party, the majority party in the National Assembly, forcibly passes the impeachment motion against Minister Lee, the president’s personnel authority could be suspended for several months until the Constitutional Court issues a ruling.

Given the nature of the Ministry of National Defense, which oversees military governance and command authority, the impact of a leadership vacancy is inevitably much greater than in other government departments. The Ministry of National Defense might have to conduct the Armed Forces Day event marking the 75th anniversary of the founding of the armed forces on the 26th and the October National Assembly audit without a minister. This year’s Armed Forces Day event was scheduled to be held on an 'unprecedented scale,' including the revival of a parade for the first time in 10 years and participation by the United States Forces Korea.

The rapidly changing security situation on the Korean Peninsula has also increased the need to replace the defense minister. North Korea, which has failed repeatedly in launching military reconnaissance satellites, is preparing for a third attempt next month, and North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong-un is expected to hold a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss weapons support, making the security situation on the Korean Peninsula extremely serious. In this context, if the defense minister is impeached, the government could face difficulties in crisis management.

Minister Lee reportedly met privately with Army Chief of Staff Park Jeong-hwan and Navy Chief of Staff Lee Jong-ho at Gyeryongdae the day before and visited the 7th Corps and 2nd Division, where he previously served. Some in the military speculate that Minister Lee’s visits to his former units were farewell visits.

However, regardless of his resignation, the opposition party’s offensive against Minister Lee is expected to continue. On the 13th, Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung said, "The Yoon Seok-yeol government is only focused on 'scapegoating' by replacing the defense minister and security line," adding, "There is no sanctuary in uncovering the truth. No matter how much they try to hide it, they must remember that they cannot escape legal and moral responsibility. Since the Special Prosecutor Act has been proposed, the Democratic Party will thoroughly investigate those involved and definitely reveal the truth."

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