Tuesday, July 8, 2025

Questions Arise: Can a President Under Investigation Command the Military?

On the morning of December 5th, Ministry of National Defense spokesperson Jeon Ha Gyu answered questions from reporters during the first regular press briefing following the declaration of martial law. The briefing took place at the Ministry of National Defense in Yongsan, Seoul. / Yonhap News
On the morning of December 5, Ministry of National Defense spokesperson Jeon Ha Gyu answered questions from reporters during the first regular press briefing following the declaration of martial law. The briefing occurred at the Ministry of National Defense in Yongsan, Seoul. / Yonhap News

South Korea’s Ministry of National Defense confirmed on Monday that President Yoon Suk Yeol currently holds the supreme command of the armed forces.

When asked who currently commands the armed forces during a regular briefing, spokesperson Jeon Ha Gyu responded, “The President retains command authority.”

In response to a follow-up question about whether it is appropriate for an individual under investigation for insurrection to hold such authority, Jeon clarified, “Legally, the command authority remains with the current commander-in-chief, who is the President.”

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