Capital defense, counterintelligence, special warfare commanders suspended

Three commanders accused of direct involvement in President Yoon Suk Yeol’s declaration of martial law have been suspended from active duty as of 4 p.m. Friday, the Ministry of National Defense said.

They are: Defense Counterintelligence Commander Yeo In-hyung, Special Warfare Commander Kwak Jong-geun and Capital Defense Commander Lee Jin-woo.

The Defense Ministry said the commanders have been put on standby for assignment.

The Defense Ministry also asked the Ministry of Justice to ban Yeo, Kwak and Lee, as well as seven other commanders, from traveling overseas.

In an interview with Democratic Party of Korea Rep. Kim Byung-joo on Friday, Kwak and Lee both said they would not obey orders from Yoon, the commander-in-chief, if the president declares martial law again.

“I would like to apologize to the South Korean people,” the special warfare commander said.

The capital defense commander said he “refuses to follow illegal and inappropriate orders.” “My duties are to protect Seoul and the people of the capital city,” he said.