[Yang Nak-gyu's Defence Club] No Farewell Ceremony for Defense Minister Lee Jong-seop for the Time Being

President Yoon Suk-yeol Decides Not to Accept Resignation Amid Security Gap Concerns
Defense Duties to Be Maintained Until Ministerial Candidate Confirmation Hearing

On the 13th, President Yoon Suk-yeol nominated Shin Won-sik, a member of the People Power Party, as the candidate for Minister of National Defense, while deciding not to accept the resignation of the current Minister of National Defense, Lee Jong-seop. This decision was made to minimize any gaps considering the security situation.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the same day, a government official stated, "The resignation of former Minister Lee will not be accepted until the confirmation hearing for the next Minister of National Defense candidate is completed," adding, "This is because even a single day of security vacuum is unacceptable."

If Minister Lee Jong-seop’s resignation were accepted, a farewell ceremony would have to be held immediately. The Ministry of National Defense was preparing for the ceremony that afternoon, but it was canceled as the president did not accept the resignation.

If Minister Lee’s farewell ceremony had taken place, it would have risked creating the longest ministerial vacancy period since the founding of the armed forces. There have been only four instances of gaps between the outgoing and incoming Ministers of National Defense since the founding. The longest gap was five days between Minister Jang Do-young (12th) and Minister Song Yo-chan (13th). The gaps between Minister Hyun Seok-ho (11th) and Minister Jang Do-young (12th), and between Minister Shin Sung-mo (2nd) and Minister Lee Ki-bung (3rd) were each one day.

If Minister Lee’s farewell ceremony had proceeded, the successor would still have to go through procedures such as the confirmation hearing, making it impossible to hold an inauguration ceremony immediately. It is expected to be difficult even within this month, meaning a vacancy period of at least one month would occur.

Due to the nature of the Ministry of National Defense, which oversees military administration and command authority, the impact of a vacancy in its leadership is inevitably much greater than in other government departments. The Ministry might have to conduct the 75th Armed Forces Day event on the 26th and the October National Assembly audit without a minister. This year’s Armed Forces Day event was planned to be the largest ever, featuring the revival of a parade after 10 years and participation by the United States Forces Korea.

The security situation is also unfavorable. North Korea, having failed consecutively in launching military reconnaissance satellites, is preparing for a third attempt next month. Meanwhile, North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong-un held a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss weapons support, indicating a severe security situation on the Korean Peninsula.

However, regardless of the resignation, opposition parties are expected to continue their attacks on Minister Lee. On the same day, Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party, said, "The Yoon Suk-yeol government is only focused on ‘scapegoating’ by replacing the Minister of National Defense and the 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.