Admiral Gang Dong-gil has been excluded from his duties amid investigations into his role in the martial law during a coup attempt, revealing his orders to set up a martial law situation room.
Admiral Gang Dong-gil, the Chief of Naval Operations, has been suspended from his duties as allegations surface regarding his involvement in the martial law declared during a coup attempt in December 2024. Investigations have revealed that during this period, Gang ordered the establishment of a martial law situation room at the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) upon request from the martial law commander, who was then the Army Chief of Staff. This is particularly notable as the martial law commander was not the JCS Chairman, but rather the Army Chief of Staff, necessitating coordination between different military branches.
The investigation by the special prosecution unit on the martial law has shed light on Gang's actions, noting that he instructed JCS personnel to assist in the setup of the martial law situation room by preparing essential equipment such as computers and telephones. The inquiry is part of a broader examination into military conduct during the coup, following a series of communications that suggested potential misconduct among military leaders in the wake of the martial law declaration.
The South Korean Ministry of National Defense has announced that disciplinary procedures are being initiated against Admiral Gang as part of their investigation into the military's response during the coup attempt. This situation highlights tensions within the South Korean military and raises significant questions about the conduct of its leaders during politically charged situations, further complicating the ongoing scrutiny of the military's role in governance and law enforcement during crises.
