Accuser files perjury complaint against South Korean Defense Minister

Kim Young-soo, director of the Defense Interest Research Institute, has filed a criminal complaint against Defense Minister Ahn Kyu-baek, accusing him of perjury during his parliamentary confirmation hearing. Kim alleges that Ahn falsely denied desertion and detention during his mandatory military service.

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I will take legal responsibility if there are any false facts in the content of the complaint or the press conference held on the 6th.

Kim appeared at the Yongsan Police Station in Seoul on Tuesday to provide testimony as part of the investigation into the complaint. He reiterated his claim that Ahn's denial of desertion and subsequent detention while serving as a short-term conscript was a clear falsehood. Kim has been demanding the release of Ahn's military service records to substantiate his allegations.

The Ministry of National Defense has stated that the allegations were already addressed and clarified during Ahn's confirmation hearing last July. The ministry claims that Ahn's military records contain inaccuracies and therefore cannot be publicly disclosed. Kim, however, insists that the simplest way to resolve the controversy is for Ahn to release his records or for the Army headquarters to submit his personnel orders to the National Assembly for review.

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The fact of desertion during service as a short-term conscript, and the subsequent arrest and detention, and additional service, is clear.

In response to the Defense Ministry's assertion that Ahn is a "victim of military administration errors," Kim challenged the ministry to file a defamation or false accusation lawsuit against him if they believe his claims are false. The ministry previously stated during a press briefing that the allegations against Ahn were "clearly false." Kim urged them to proceed with legal action swiftly if they are confident in their position.

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The simplest way to resolve the controversy is for the minister to release his military records or for the Army headquarters to submit personnel orders to the National Assembly.