Seoul: Defense Minister nominee Kang Shin-chul on Wednesday expressed deep regret and a sense of heavy responsibility for the brief imposition of martial law in December 2024. This incident occurred while Kang was serving as the deputy commander of the South Korea-U.S. Combined Forces Command (CFC).

According to Yonhap News Agency, Kang made these remarks during a parliamentary confirmation hearing. A ruling party lawmaker emphasized that the nominee could not escape "moral" and "political" accountability for the martial law declared by former President Yoon Suk Yeol on December 3. Kang stated, "I feel heavy accountability and deep responsibility as someone who was at the highest rank," and offered a sincere apology to the public.

Kang characterized the martial law declaration as an act that undermined the constitutional order. At the time of the decree, he was serving as a four-star Army general but maintained that he was not involved as he held the position of CFC deputy commander. He noted that he advised then U.S. Forces Korea Commander Gen. Paul LaCamera to trust South Korea's legal system, especially after witnessing the National Assembly's motion to lift the martial law.

Addressing other issues, Kang affirmed his determination to innovate military academies amidst the government's initiative to integrate the academies of the Army, Navy, and Air Force. However, he pointed out that the current blueprint presented by the defense ministry could be improved, and he pledged to review it if confirmed for the position.

Kang also faced scrutiny from opposition lawmakers over allegations that he falsely registered his residence in Seoul's Guro Ward in 2008 to qualify for a special housing program, while he was still serving in Gangwon Province. In response, Kang apologized for the real estate issue surfacing during his confirmation but denied the allegation, asserting that he was unaware of the program at that time.