(2nd LD) Defense minister nominee says feels heavy responsibility for 2024 martial law bid

SEOUL, Sept. 16 (Yonhap) -- Defense Minister nominee Kang Shin-chul expressed deep regret over the brief imposition of martial law in 2024 while serving as the deputy commander of the South Korea-U.S. Combined Forces Command (CFC). During a parliamentary confirmation hearing, Kang emphasized his heavy responsibility for the incident that took place under former President Yoon Suk Yeol's tenure.

He apologized to the people, deeming the martial law declaration as the military's undermining of the constitutional order. Kang clarified that he had informed U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) Commander Ge. Paul LaCamera to trust South Korea's legal system after witnessing the National Assembly demand the lifting of martial law. Kang reiterated the importance of the South Korea-U.S. alliance in transferring wartime OPCON (operational control) from Washington, stating that fighting alone is not wise.

He affirmed that Seoul aims to regain OPCON before the Lee Jae Myung administration's five-year term concludes in 2030. Kang also addressed the potential deployment of troops to the Strait of Hormuz, expressing readiness to make a decision based on protecting public safety and national interests. The nominee expressed support for integrating the military academies of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, though he acknowledged the blueprint released by the defense ministry could benefit from improvement.

Kang addressed opposition claims that he falsely registered his residence in Seoul's Guro Ward in 2008 to qualify for a special housing program, denying the allegation and stating he was unaware of the program at the time.