On Monday, the South Korean Ministry of National Defense confirmed that President Yoon Suk Yeol currently holds the position of commander-in-chief of the country’s military. During a regular briefing, Defense Ministry spokesperson Jeon Ha Gyu was asked about the authority over the military, to which he responded, “It rests with the President.”
Jeon was further questioned about whether someone facing insurrection charges should be allowed to retain command over the military. He replied briefly, “Legally, the command authority currently lies with the President.”
On Sunday morning, Han Dong Hoon, leader of the conservative People Power Party, issued a statement calling for Yoon’s resignation. Han argued that most South Korean public believes Yoon can no longer govern effectively for the remainder of his term. He further stated that, even before resigning, Yoon should refrain from engaging in state affairs, including foreign policy.
Later that afternoon, speaking with reporters at the party’s headquarters in Seoul’s Yeouido district, Han was asked whether the President’s military command authority should also be excluded from the scope of his duties during his suspension. Han responded, “I believe it is the same. It includes foreign policy as well.”