South Korea’s defense ministry announced the suspension of Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Kang Dong-gil due to his alleged involvement in a failed martial law attempt by former President Yoon Suk Yeol in late 2024.
This decision follows a similar suspension of Ground Operations Commander General Joo Sung-un for suspected ties to the martial law incident, marking the second high-ranking official to be suspended under President Lee Jae Myung’s administration.
The defense ministry clarified that Admiral Kang, who previously served as chief of the directorate of military support at the Joint Chiefs of Staff during the martial law incident, has been excluded from duty as of Friday.
The deputy chief of the Navy will assume the role of acting Navy chief in light of this development, with potential disciplinary actions pending against Admiral Kang.
The ministry disclosed that around 180 military personnel have been identified as involved in the martial law imposition, with plans for further investigations and necessary disciplinary measures.
