"Exclusion from Duty" Said... Military: "Military Command Authority Lies with the President"

'Does the Suspect Accused of Treason Hold Supreme Command?'
Spokesperson: "Legally, the President Has the Authority"

Although the state affairs fell into chaos due to the aftermath of the emergency martial law, the military authorities confirmed that the command authority over the armed forces legally still belongs to President Yoon Seok-yeol. Han Dong-hoon, leader of the People Power Party, stated that President Yoon would not be involved in state affairs, but this means that the exercise of authority is still possible at this point.

On the 9th, Jeon Ha-gyu, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, answered "The president" when asked at a regular briefing held at the Ministry of National Defense building, "Who currently holds the command authority over the armed forces?" When repeatedly asked, "Is it acceptable for a suspect accused of being the ringleader of a rebellion to hold the command authority over the armed forces?" he said, "Legally, it is with the current commander."

In a statement released the previous morning, Han Dong-hoon, leader of the People Power Party, said, "The majority of the people believe that President Yoon should step down because he cannot conduct normal state affairs for the remainder of his term," and added, "Even before resignation, the president will not be involved in state affairs, including diplomacy."

On the same day in the afternoon, Han met with reporters at the central party office in Yeouido and, when asked whether the scope of the president’s suspension from duty includes military command authority, he replied, "I think it is the same. Including diplomacy."

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