33 Army Chief of Staff Commendations Revoked for Meritorious Service in Suppression of May 18 Democratization Movement

Ministry of National Defense to Investigate Validity of Former Commander Park Junbyung's Order of Merit for National Foundation for Possible False Meritorious Service

The Army announced on May 19 that it has revoked a total of 33 commendations in the name of the Army Chief of Staff that were awarded for actions during the suppression of the May 18 Gwangju Democratization Movement.

Yonhap News Agency

Colonel Bae Seokjin, Director of Army Public Affairs, stated at a regular Ministry of National Defense briefing on the same day, "Upon reviewing the current status of commendations awarded for merit in suppressing the May 18 Democratization Movement, we confirmed that a total of 33 individuals received such awards. On April 28, the Army's Merit Review Committee resolved to revoke all 33 commendations."

Colonel Bae added, "Recognizing the grave historical significance of the May 18 Democratization Movement, we are proceeding with the necessary procedures in accordance with laws and regulations for the commendations that were awarded for inappropriate reasons."

It is known that Byeon Kilnam, who was the commander of the 3rd Airborne Battalion at the time and participated in the suppression operation, is among those whose commendations have been revoked.

Meanwhile, regarding the continued status of the Order of National Security Merit awarded to former Defense Security Commander Park Junbyung, who led the suppression operations during the May 18 Gwangju Democratization Movement, the Ministry of National Defense stated, "If reasons for revocation, such as false merit, are confirmed in the future, we will coordinate with the relevant department to take follow-up measures."

Former Commander Park, a member of the New Military Group 'Hanahoe,' participated in the December 12 Military Coup led by former President Chun Doo-hwan and, as commander of the 20th Division, led the suppression operation in Gwangju during May 18.

The Chungmu Order of Military Merit, which Park received for his role in the May 18 suppression operation, was already revoked in 2006. However, the Order of National Security Merit (Kuksun Medal), awarded for "contributions to national security" during his tenure as Defense Security Commander from 1981 to 1984, has not been revoked.

The Ministry of National Defense stated, "We are fully aware of the public concern and demand for strictness regarding the failure to revoke medals awarded to perpetrators of state violence," and pledged to thoroughly verify whether the merits were based on falsehoods.

Jeong Bitna, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, commented on the Order of National Security Merit received by former Commander Park, stating, "It is only listed as 'contributions to national security,' so there are currently some legal limitations in determining whether this constitutes false merit. We will actively seek additional materials and take appropriate action if necessary."

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