Controversy surrounds the disciplinary actions for key military officials involved in the '12.3 Emergency Martial Law,' with former Army Special Warfare Commander Kwak Jong-geun receiving only a 'dismissal' while other high-ranking officers were 'discharged.' [Photo=Yonhap News]

The Ministry of National Defense announced the disciplinary results on the 29th for key commanders involved in the '12.3 Emergency Martial Law.' 

The announcement has sparked controversy as only former Army Special Warfare Commander Kwak Jong-geun, who is facing allegations of making false statements, received a 'dismissal,' while other key figures were 'discharged.'

Those who were 'discharged' include △ Former Defense Security Commander Yeo In-hyung △ Former Capital Defense Commander Lee Jin-woo △ Former Deputy Chief of Staff of the Army Go Hyun-seok. 'Discharge' is a severe disciplinary action, resulting in the forfeiture of military status and a significant reduction in benefits, including a 50% cut to their military pension.

In contrast, former Army Special Warfare Commander Kwak Jong-geun received a 'dismissal,' allowing him to retain 100% of his military pension. 

The disciplinary committee had initially decided on a 'discharge' for Commander Kwak, but it is understood that the disciplinary level was lowered to 'dismissal' in consideration of his cooperative attitude in clarifying the full details of the martial law process.

Meanwhile, public opinion on this matter is cold.

Notably, Commander Kwak Jong-geun testified that he received an order from President Yoon Suk-yeol on the day of the martial law to "drag out National Assembly members." However, on November 5th, lawyer Song Jin-ho from former President Yoon Suk-yeol's legal team revealed in court testimony that before Commander Kwak Jong-geun even received a call from the president, he had received instructions to "break down the door and drag out National Assembly members."

Additionally, a table summarizing the situation at the time, chronologically, was posted on lawyer Song Jin-ho's Facebook page under the title 'Falsity of Kwak Jong-geun's Statement.'

Reporter Lim Yo-hee