The Defense Ministry stated that allegations claiming Minister Ahn Kyu-baek deserted his post while serving as a short-term conscript are "clearly false." The ministry announced plans to request a correction of his military records after his term ends.
A ministry official told reporters on July 10, "If we request a correction while he is in the position of defense minister, it could lead to further controversy. Therefore, we plan to make the request and take additional actions once he returns to a non-official status after completing his duties."
In response to calls for Minister Ahn to disclose his military records to dispel the allegations, he explained, "If I were to reveal a record that is incorrect from 40 years ago, it would only leave the wrong information in people's minds, regardless of the facts. It would only exacerbate misunderstandings, which is why I have chosen not to disclose it."
Minister Ahn's service period as a short-term conscript is recorded as 22 months, rather than the originally stated 14 months. This discrepancy led to allegations from opposition parties during his confirmation hearing last July regarding his supposed desertion or confinement.
He enlisted as a short-term conscript in November 1983 and was discharged in August 1985, according to his military records.
Ahn explained during the confirmation hearing that the issue arose while he was being investigated by military authorities for providing lunch to active-duty soldiers at his home.
After serving for 14 months, he was discharged on January 4, 1985, and returned to university that year. However, he received a notice for additional service, which he fulfilled during the summer break, leading to the final service date being recorded as his discharge date.
He mentioned that the additional service was required because the investigation period was not included in his service record.
The ministry official emphasized, "While Minister Ahn mentioned during the hearing that he was investigated for several days, he did not face any detention or disciplinary action. This is why he has consistently claimed to be a victim of administrative errors in his military records."
According to the Defense Ministry, Ahn's additional service period was approximately 30 days. Another ministry official clarified, "It should not be understood that he served additional time equal to the investigation days. The reason for the longer additional service period, which exceeded the investigation duration, is something the minister himself does not understand, hence his claim of being a victim of administrative errors."
The allegations of Minister Ahn's desertion have resurfaced recently amid public backlash against the government's defense policies, including the integration of military academies for the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
A ministry official told reporters on July 10, "If we request a correction while he is in the position of defense minister, it could lead to further controversy. Therefore, we plan to make the request and take additional actions once he returns to a non-official status after completing his duties."
In response to calls for Minister Ahn to disclose his military records to dispel the allegations, he explained, "If I were to reveal a record that is incorrect from 40 years ago, it would only leave the wrong information in people's minds, regardless of the facts. It would only exacerbate misunderstandings, which is why I have chosen not to disclose it."
Minister Ahn's service period as a short-term conscript is recorded as 22 months, rather than the originally stated 14 months. This discrepancy led to allegations from opposition parties during his confirmation hearing last July regarding his supposed desertion or confinement.
He enlisted as a short-term conscript in November 1983 and was discharged in August 1985, according to his military records.
Ahn explained during the confirmation hearing that the issue arose while he was being investigated by military authorities for providing lunch to active-duty soldiers at his home.
After serving for 14 months, he was discharged on January 4, 1985, and returned to university that year. However, he received a notice for additional service, which he fulfilled during the summer break, leading to the final service date being recorded as his discharge date.
He mentioned that the additional service was required because the investigation period was not included in his service record.
The ministry official emphasized, "While Minister Ahn mentioned during the hearing that he was investigated for several days, he did not face any detention or disciplinary action. This is why he has consistently claimed to be a victim of administrative errors in his military records."
According to the Defense Ministry, Ahn's additional service period was approximately 30 days. Another ministry official clarified, "It should not be understood that he served additional time equal to the investigation days. The reason for the longer additional service period, which exceeded the investigation duration, is something the minister himself does not understand, hence his claim of being a victim of administrative errors."
The allegations of Minister Ahn's desertion have resurfaced recently amid public backlash against the government's defense policies, including the integration of military academies for the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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