Lawmaker Jokes He's 'Adopted' After Defense Minister's Desertion Remark

A verbal sparring match has erupted between a conservative lawmaker and the Defense Minister over the latter's past military service, with the lawmaker humorously retorting that he is now "suddenly adopted" as the minister's son.

The exchange began when Defense Minister Ahn Kyu-baek stated at a parliamentary defense committee meeting that if there were any desertion during his service, then People Power Party lawmaker Han Ki-ho would be his son. Ahn made this remark in response to allegations previously raised by Han regarding Ahn's military service.

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I have no intention of adopting, but since he insists on adopting me, I suppose I must accept.

Han Ki-ho took to Facebook to respond, stating, "I have no intention of adopting, but since he insists on adopting me, I suppose I must accept." He further questioned the minister's claims of having "no shame before the heavens" regarding his military record.

Ahn had previously denied allegations of desertion during his time as a short-term service member (Bang-wi-byeong), asserting his record was clear. However, Han countered that the term "desertion" does not apply to Bang-wi-byeong, as absence was officially recorded as "lost" if one failed to report for duty, with daily attendance logged. Han pointed to a 30-day confinement recorded on Ahn's military card, asking if this was due to being "lost." He also questioned why Ahn's discharge date was listed as August 31, 1985, instead of January 4, 1985, suggesting it was to account for the "lost" period.

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If there were any desertion during my service, then Han Ki-ho would be my son.