The Defense Ministry stated that allegations suggesting Minister Ahn Kyu-baek deserted his post while serving as a short-term defense soldier are "clearly false." The ministry announced plans to request a correction of his military records once his term concludes.
A ministry official spoke to reporters on July 10, saying, "If we request a correction while he is still 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 private 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 defense soldier is recorded as 22 months, rather than the originally stated 14 months. This discrepancy led to allegations from opposition parties during last year's confirmation hearing regarding his supposed desertion or confinement.
He enlisted as a defense soldier in November 1983 and was discharged in August 1985, according to his military records. Ahn explained during the confirmation hearing that this situation arose while he was under investigation 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 same year. However, he received a notice to complete additional service, which he fulfilled during the summer break, leading to the final service date being recorded as his discharge date.
Ahn stated during the confirmation hearing, "I received a call from the unit indicating that I needed to serve a few more days, so I completed the remaining service during the summer break."
The ministry official emphasized, "While Minister Ahn mentioned during the hearing that he was investigated for a few days, he did not face any detention or other penalties. This is why he has consistently claimed to be a victim of administrative errors in his military records."
The allegations regarding Ahn's supposed 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, becoming a focal point for opposition parties.
A ministry official spoke to reporters on July 10, saying, "If we request a correction while he is still 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 private 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 defense soldier is recorded as 22 months, rather than the originally stated 14 months. This discrepancy led to allegations from opposition parties during last year's confirmation hearing regarding his supposed desertion or confinement.
He enlisted as a defense soldier in November 1983 and was discharged in August 1985, according to his military records. Ahn explained during the confirmation hearing that this situation arose while he was under investigation 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 same year. However, he received a notice to complete additional service, which he fulfilled during the summer break, leading to the final service date being recorded as his discharge date.
Ahn stated during the confirmation hearing, "I received a call from the unit indicating that I needed to serve a few more days, so I completed the remaining service during the summer break."
The ministry official emphasized, "While Minister Ahn mentioned during the hearing that he was investigated for a few days, he did not face any detention or other penalties. This is why he has consistently claimed to be a victim of administrative errors in his military records."
The allegations regarding Ahn's supposed 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, becoming a focal point for opposition parties.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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