Joint Chiefs Nominee Apologizes for December 3 Deployment... Vows Return to Principles and Fundamentals

by Yoo Jaehoon

Published 24 Sep.2025 10:27(KST)

On September 24, Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman nominee Jin Youngseung stated, "I deeply regret and apologize for the disappointment caused to the public when the military was deployed during the December 3 Martial Law last year. As the nominee for Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, I offer my sincere apology," adding, "I believe that, in order to stand once again as the military of the people, our armed forces must return to principles and fundamentals based on constitutional values."

Yonhap News Agency

During his opening remarks at the confirmation hearing held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, Jin said, "If entrusted with the heavy responsibility of Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, I will clearly recognize the calling of the times and work to restore public trust. Our military will never waver again and, steadfast as a mountain, will look only to the people as we strive to become a true military for the people."

Addressing the security situation surrounding the Korean Peninsula, Jin noted, "The uncertainty of the international security order is increasing, and military tensions in the region are intensifying due to the ongoing strategic competition between the United States and China, as well as the prolonged Russia-Ukraine war." He added, "North Korea continues to maintain a policy of 'two hostile states,' persistently carrying out measures to sever ties with the South, while also advancing both the quantity and quality of its nuclear, missile, and conventional military capabilities."

He further remarked on the military, saying, "The martial law caused deep concern among the public and, internally, led to a decline in morale amid confusion within the ranks." He continued, "On top of this, recent incidents have heightened anxiety and increased the outflow of officers."

Jin pledged to return to principles and fundamentals, stating, "I will strictly uphold political neutrality and unite the military by faithfully fulfilling our core duties based on laws and regulations. Commanders will issue lawful orders and communicate to foster empathy, while subordinates will trust and proactively carry out their missions. At the same time, we will restore the trust and honor of the military through active communication with the public, laying the foundation for building a strong military."

He also addressed security threats, saying, "We will support the establishment of peace on the Korean Peninsula and ensure victory in times of crisis by maintaining strong deterrence across all domains, including transnational and non-military threats. By strengthening the Korean-style three-axis system, we will enhance the effectiveness of extended deterrence, and through all-encompassing military cooperation focused on national interests and pragmatism, we will build the posture and capabilities necessary to maintain a stable regional order."

In addition, Jin stated, "Under the robust South Korea-U.S. alliance, we will rapidly develop the core military capabilities and combined joint operational systems necessary for South Korea-led combined defense. Through this, we will lead a systematic and stable transition of wartime operational control. Furthermore, in line with defense reforms, we will establish integrated operational capabilities based on artificial intelligence and advanced science and technology, ensuring jointness and efficiency."