Martial law apology: Ex-commander seeks public forgiveness, contrasting with defiant co-defendants

In a South Korean courtroom, former Army Special Warfare Commander Kwak Jong-geun offered a profound apology to the nation for his role in the December 3, 2024, emergency martial law declaration. Standing before the court, Kwak, who faces charges of rebellion and other offenses, dedicated most of his final statement to expressing sincere remorse to the public and his subordinates. This contrition stands in stark contrast to the defiant stances taken by many other high-ranking military officials also on trial for their involvement.

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Defendant Kwak Jong-geun. First, I sincerely bow my head and apologize to the people.

Kwak has consistently testified that he received direct orders from then-President Yoon Suk-yeol to forcibly remove lawmakers from the National Assembly during the period of martial law. Despite these revelations, Kwak, like other defendants, faced legal judgment. While prosecutors sought a 20-year prison sentence for him, his final address focused entirely on seeking forgiveness, a move that resonated differently from the outright denials and accusations leveled by his co-defendants.

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I received an order from then-President Yoon Suk-yeol to 'drag the lawmakers out of the National Assembly.'

His demeanor in court was notable; he stood and bowed, avoiding direct eye contact with the judges, seemingly acknowledging that his apology was for the public, not the bench. He consistently referred to the martial law declaration as "unconstitutional and illegal," showing respect for the court's previous rulings labeling the event as rebellion. Kwak even attributed the "passive duty performance" of military and police forces during martial law to the actions of citizens who resisted the declaration, suggesting their bravery awakened the conscience of those involved.

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Seeing the citizens who resisted with their whole bodies after arriving at the National Assembly first began to awaken the conscience of not only me but also the unit members present at the scene.

This approach sharply contrasts with the behavior of other defendants, such as former Commander Kim Hyun-tae, who led troops into the National Assembly building. Kim has continued to defend Yoon Suk-yeol, even in his final statement, and actively promotes pro-Yoon sentiments online. The court previously sentenced Yoon Suk-yeol to life imprisonment, noting his lack of remorse. The article concludes by hoping that Kwak's plea for introspection reaches the consciences of those responsible, particularly the highest-ranking individuals, urging them to consider whether their current paths align with the principles of justice and national conscience.

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I hope that all those involved directly or indirectly in the unconstitutional and illegal emergency martial law, especially those who were the highest responsible parties, consider whether they are going down the right path without shame before their personal conscience, history, and the people.