Opposition Renews Desertion Allegations Against Defense Minister Ahn, Demands Records

Conservative opposition parties in South Korea have reignited controversy surrounding Defense Minister Ahn Kyu-baek, demanding the public release of his military service records. The core of the accusation revolves around an alleged desertion incident during his mandatory service as a conscripted soldier in 1983.

Rep. Jeong Jong-sik of the People Power Party publicly called for transparency, stating, "Defense Minister Ahn is accused of illegally leaving his post for about seven months during his service as a conscript in 1983, and subsequently being detained in a military brig for 30 days." He questioned Ahn's ability to lead the military with such an allegation and urged him to "immediately and transparently disclose all relevant materials."

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Defense Minister Ahn is accused of illegally leaving his post for about seven months during his service as a conscript in 1983, and subsequently being detained in a military brig for 30 days. Can you lead 450,000 soldiers with the suspicion of being a deserter who went to a military brig?

Independent lawmaker Han Dong-hoon echoed these sentiments, asserting that while a conscript background is acceptable for a defense minister, a history of desertion is not. He challenged Ahn to "explain himself" and dared him to sue if the accusations were false, stating he would not invoke parliamentary immunity.

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Why aren't you explaining? If you are wronged, sue me. I have no intention of using immunity.

In response, the Ministry of National Defense maintained that the allegations were addressed and clarified during Ahn's personnel confirmation hearing approximately one year ago. Ministry spokesperson Jeong Bit-na stated at a press briefing that the minister "maintains the position that he completed his service normally, as was the case during the personnel confirmation hearing last year regarding the raised allegations."

Meanwhile, the Seoul Yongsan Police Station has initiated an investigation into allegations of perjury. The investigation stems from a complaint filed by Kim Young-soo, head of the Defense Corruption Research Center, who accused Minister Ahn of lying during his confirmation hearing when he denied any desertion or detention. The police are scheduled to question Kim on July 16.

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The Defense Minister maintains the position that he completed his service normally, as was the case during the personnel confirmation hearing last year regarding the raised allegations.