Two general-level military commanders in South Korea were dismissed for their involvement in the attempt to arrest high-profile politicians during a brief martial law imposition in late 2024. Brigadier General Lee Sang-hyun, former commander of the 1st Special Forces Brigade, led troops to storm the National Assembly to prevent lawmakers from rejecting the martial law decree. Rear Admiral Kim Dae-woo, the former investigative chief of the Defence Counterintelligence Command, was also dismissed for sending a team to apprehend politicians during the martial law episode.
The South Korean defence ministry stated that both Lee and Kim are currently facing trial for their roles in the martial law imposition. The ministry took significant disciplinary action against the two general-level officers, although it did not disclose their identities, ranks, or the extent of the punishment. This dismissal is part of the military’s ongoing efforts to hold accountable those involved in the martial law imposition, with previous dismissals of top commanders from the Defence Counterintelligence Command and the Army Special Warfare Command.
In a related development, a martial law-related trial involving six military officers, including Colonel Kim Hyun-tae, head of the Army Special Warfare Command’s 707th Special Mission Group, has been referred to the Seoul Central District Court by a special counsel team. These officers are accused of playing pivotal roles in the martial law attempt by former President Yoon Suk Yeol in December 2024. The special counsel team requested the transfer of the case to the Seoul Central District Court, although active soldiers are typically tried in military courts, subject to special circumstances.
