Minister of National Defense Ahn Gyu-baek visited the 3rd Airborne Brigade of the Special Warfare Command on the 28th, marking his first on-site inspection since taking office. This unit was mobilized during the '12·3 emergency martial law'.
After receiving reports on the stabilization measures for the unit following the emergency martial law situation, Minister Ahn met with the soldiers of the Special Warfare 3rd Airborne Brigade and the 707th Special Mission Battalion who were mobilized on the day of the emergency martial law. He said, “I wanted to meet you first to talk and to comfort your wounded hearts.”
He further expressed his regret, saying, “I was saddened to hear that the pride and morale of the Special Warfare soldiers, who have devoted themselves solely to the nation and the people, have fallen to the ground,” and promised, “I will take necessary measures so that the soldiers mobilized during the illegal emergency martial law, including the Special Warfare Command, can find psychological stability as soon as possible and regain their honor, allowing them to sweat for the defense of the homeland like before.”
He also emphasized, “We will establish civilian control so that our military can strictly adhere to political neutrality and focus solely on its original mission, thereby rebuilding a ‘military for the people’ that earns the trust and love of the citizens.”