Personnel Changes in the Joint Chiefs of Staff
The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), Jin Yong-sung, has reportedly announced a significant personnel policy aimed at replacing over 40 generals, majors, and lieutenant colonels who have served within the JCS for more than two years. While the JCS chairman does not hold direct authority over human resources, this policy is believed to reflect the directives of President Lee Jae-myung and the defense minister. During a recent Cabinet meeting, President Lee emphasized the need to cancel promotions for military personnel associated with martial law, even retroactively, stating, “Choose them well.” This directive suggests that both the JCS and future high-ranking appointments will undergo substantial changes.
Martial Law and Military Accountability
The martial law incident was orchestrated by a small group of key figures, including former President Yoon Suk-yeol and former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun. Most senior officers were unaware of the details beforehand. Those who actively participated in the martial law and committed illegal acts are expected to face investigations and trials by the insurrection special counsel. However, during the first general-level personnel appointments under the Lee Jae-myung government in early September, all seven active-duty four-star generals who led the military during the martial law were discharged. Critics argue that holding these officials accountable solely for not actively refusing orders from higher-ups is excessive.
Expansion of Accountability Measures
Presidential Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik has mentioned that a plan is being reviewed to establish an organization tasked with investigating public officials across various ministries for their involvement in the emergency martial law. The question remains: what level of responsibility are these officials being asked to take? Many public officials were as confused as ordinary citizens when they heard the martial law announcement. Treating the entire military and public service sector as targets for replacement due to their failure to actively block martial law is seen as politically motivated.
Impact on Public Sector Perception
Past transitions in administration have already caused deep divisions within the military and public service sectors. A growing perception among public sector employees is that doing nothing ensures safety, regardless of changes in leadership. Excessive political alignment and code-matching may lead to the creation of non-working public officials, which could ultimately harm the current government’s effectiveness.
Extension of Special Counsel Investigations
President Lee Jae-myung approved the insurrection special counsel’s third request to extend its investigation period on the 7th. Since the new government took office, three major special counsel investigations have been ongoing for six months. However, these investigations have increasingly become tools used exclusively by the Democratic Party, to the extent that many citizens may not even be aware of their existence. Ahead of the local elections, there are indications that new special counsels may be established.