Jong-sik Demands Dismissal of Defense Minister Ahn Kyu-baek, Citing 'Insult to Military'

Jang Jeong-sik, the floor leader of the People Power Party, on the 11th criticized Defense Minister Ahn Kyu-baek's remarks at a party strategy meeting held at the National Assembly, urging President Lee Jae-myung to take immediate personnel action, including the dismissal of the minister.

Jang singled out Minister Ahn's visit to the Air Force Academy in June, where he reportedly adopted "chubyeonbulgyeong" as his motto and introduced it as a saying by Mao Zedong.

He argued that these remarks constitute an insult and mockery of the military and are unacceptable for the current administration, which has failed to clearly define its principal adversary. Jang reiterated his stance that Minister Ahn's remarks were inappropriate for a public official.

The Ministry of National Defense explained that Minister Ahn's remarks were not intended to express allegiance to any specific individual, but rather to emphasize the importance of maintaining an unwavering stance in the face of changing situations and crises.