[사설] 탈영 의혹 해소 않고 어떻게 軍 뜯어고치겠나 | 안용현 논설위원

Kim Young-soo, a retired Major and head of the Public Interest Whistleblowing Center, disclosed specific details at the National Assembly regarding allegations of desertion by Defense Minister Ahn Kyu-baek during his time as a reservist. He stated, “He deserted without permission for seven months with the tacit approval of his unit commander, and after being arrested, served an additional eight months, including 30 days in military detention and the seven months of desertion.” He also mentioned that “a Defense Police (DP) unit was deployed to arrest Minister Ahn at the time.” Showing confidence, Kim declared, “This is not just an allegation of desertion, but a desertion case,” adding, “If it is not true, I will take full responsibility. I have asked him several times to sue me for defamation, so why is Minister Ahn avoiding it?” Kim has previously received a medal for reporting corruption in military procurement. Allegations of Minister Ahn’s desertion first surfaced during his confirmation hearing last year. While the standard reservist period is 14 months, it was revealed that Minister Ahn served for 22 months. He explained the eight months of additional service as an "administrative error." He stated that after being discharged and returning to school, he was told his service period was slightly short, so he completed the shortfall during his vacation and was discharged again, resulting in his service being recorded as 22 months. The allegations of desertion could be completely resolved if Minister Ahn simply disclosed his military service records. However, he continues to keep them confidential, claiming he is "unwilling to disclose records that are inaccurate." Although errors in military records can be corrected at any time through correction procedures, he is not making them. Minister Ahn is proceeding with work that is fundamentally changing our military and security. Regarding the transfer of wartime operational control, while it is crucial to determine whether our military possesses the capability to command U.S. forces in the event of a contingency, he is pushing ahead with the process by setting a fixed timeframe of "as early as next year." The integration of military academies, which will determine the future of the military, is also highly controversial, to the extent that the alumni associations of the Army, Navy, and Air Force held a rally on the 8th to voice their opposition. In particular, the position of Minister of National Defense exercises military administration and command authority over the 450,000-strong armed forces. How can he uphold military discipline and lead ‘military reform’ while facing allegations of desertion? If Minister Ahn is a victim of ‘military administration errors,’ he should rectify the situation through correction procedures. If the desertion allegations are false, he should disclose his military service records, Army personnel orders, and Military Police investigation reports, and sue those who spread false or fabricated information. If sensitive personal information is involved, having only members of the National Assembly’s Defense Committee verify the records is also an option. It is impossible for him to perform his duties as Minister of National Defense while such allegations of desertion are being raised so openly. ◈ Join the channel to enjoy the benefits ◈    / @chosunmedia   ◈ Belief in facts, courage to speak the truth. The Chosun Ilbo ◈ The YouTube channel produced by the Chosun Ilbo is different. Subscribe! Like! Share! It is love❤ 🔸 Chosun.com Official Website https://chosun.app.link/Tv2pQSJ3csb 🔸 Chosun Ilbo Free Subscription Trial https://chosun.app.link/j3tMd6O3csb 🔸 Channel for your health and happiness 'Oh! Health' 👉🏻 https://bit.ly/3JzNuS1 Please subscribe!! ◈◈◈ Inquiries for Chosun Ilbo YouTube Production Sponsorship and Advertising Partnerships ◈◈◈ 👉🏻👉🏻👉🏻 [email protected] 👈🏻👈🏻👈🏻 #ChosunIlbo #News #BreakingNews #Tip