Defense ministry to convene committee against eight generals over martial law

South Korea's Defense Ministry plans to convene a disciplinary committee meeting on Friday to decide on actions against eight general-level officers involved in former President Yoon Suk Yeol's botched martial law bid. The meeting comes amid efforts to revamp the military following the December 3, 2024, attempt that led to suspensions across the armed forces. Spokesperson Chung Binna stated that the decision considers ongoing investigations and the need for personnel stability.

The Defense Ministry announced on Thursday, December 18, 2025, that it plans to convene a disciplinary committee meeting this Friday to decide on actions against eight general-level officers implicated in former President Yoon Suk Yeol's failed martial law bid. This step is part of broader efforts to overhaul the military in the wake of the December 3, 2024, attempt, which resulted in suspensions of high-ranking officers across the armed forces.

Among those under review are Kwak Jong-keun, former chief of the Army Special Warfare Command; Yeo In-hyung, former head of the Defense Counterintelligence Command; and Lee Jin-woo, former head of the Capital Defense Command. Ministry spokesperson Chung Binna said during a regular press briefing, "The ministry has comprehensively reviewed disciplinary measures in consideration of the ongoing investigation, trial ... and stability of the military."

She added, "But there was a need to normalize the management of general-level officers to seek a personnel overhaul and fill the vacuum of major commander posts."

Earlier this week, the ministry launched a special investigative unit to probe further allegations involving the military in the martial law bid. This development underscores ongoing reforms to restore trust and stability in South Korea's armed forces. (Word count: 178)

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