On Tuesday night, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol abruptly declared emergency martial law. From 11:48pm that evening to 1:18am on Wednesday, the Republic of Korea (ROK) Armed Forces deployed 24 helicopters to transport more than 230 troops from the 707th Special Mission Group to areas surrounding the National Assembly. Despite this, more than 50 people scaled the walls to enter the assembly.
This military unit, established in 1972, is the only tier-one special forces unit of the ROK Army Special Warfare Command, playing a dual role in counterterrorism and rapid response. It was charged with enforcing the martial law order and arresting opposition leaders, including Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung and National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik.
The troops faced lawmakers who, defying martial law, forced their way into the National Assembly to hold an emergency meeting, as well as members of the public protesting outside. Despite its task to enforce the order, the military did not forcefully prevent lawmakers from entering parliament, nor did they use force to disperse or suppress the crowd. It was only after the National Assembly unanimously voted to reject martial law that Yoon lifted the emergency decree and withdrew the military.
The armed forces neutral stance throughout this incident shows the success and importance of the nationalization of South Korea’s military. South Korea’s democratic transition was marked by the Gwangju Uprising of 1980, when demonstrators against then-president Chun Doo-hwan’s declaration of martial law confronted his troops, and 10 days of violence ensued. The nationalization of the military began in 1998 after Kim Dae-jung became president — and after 26 years, the results of nationalization are evident.
In reality, the military of any free and democratic country should not be a tool for political parties or military leaders — rather, its loyalty should lie with the constitutional system. The armed forces should be dedicated to defending the rights of citizens.
As President William Lai (賴清德) said during his speech in June at the centennial of the Republic of China (ROC) Military Academy, formerly known as Whampoa Military Academy: “The nature of the ROC armed forces has evolved with the times. From a party military to a national military, from a revolutionary army to a professional army —the armed forces have always belonged to the Taiwanese.”
Lai emphasized that academy graduates need to realize they do not belong to any individual or political party, as they have pledged allegiance to the country, people and democracy. This is the core value of the national military.
At the same time, the Ministry of National Defense has recently adjusted the curriculum at several military academies, removing courses like “Modern Chinese History” and replacing them with courses on modern thought, such as “Human Rights and Democratic Development.” The goal is to better educate future recruits and deepen the core values of the military. Education aimed at ensuring the continued nationalization of the military is undoubtedly worthy of recognition and support.
Shawn Chen is a retired air force pilot and combat officer, and holds a master’s degree in strategy and national security from National Chung Cheng University.
Translated by Kyra Gustavsen
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