Seoul: The defense ministry announced on Monday the removal of the Army's 1st Corps commander from duty due to his directive for front-line units to perform guard operations without loading live ammunition.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the 1st Corps had ordered soldiers to operate K6 heavy machine guns and K4 automatic grenade launchers in an unloaded state during guard duty, with live ammunition placed next to the weapons. This directive has led to concerns about the military's readiness and the security measures in place at front-line units.

The ministry's press release stated that the commander, overseeing the western front, was relieved of his duties starting Monday as part of the investigation into the incident.