Seoul: The defense ministry announced plans to reward soldiers who rejected "unjust" orders during former President Yoon Suk Yeol's failed martial law bid. This move aims to boost military morale but raises questions regarding its timing, as a special counsel team investigates the attempted imposition of martial law.

According to Yonhap News Agency, scrutiny intensified as troops were deployed to the National Assembly on December 3 to reportedly block lawmakers from lifting Yoon's brief martial law imposition. Former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun is currently on trial for allegedly conspiring to commit insurrection. A ministry official stated that the inspection bureau has launched a process to verify troops who defied illegal or unjust orders during the December 3 martial law imposition, with the aim of identifying soldiers who contributed to protecting public safety and lives.

The ministry noted that rewards or encouragements for such personnel may follow, and the verification process could take weeks or even months. This initiative comes as Defense Minister nominee Ahn Gyu-back promises to rebuild trust in the military by recognizing meritorious actions and holding accountable those responsible for misconduct.

Vice Defense Minister Lee Doo-hee highlighted the need for follow-up measures to honor those who served their roles faithfully in protecting lives and property. Despite concerns over the propriety of rewarding soldiers amid an ongoing special counsel probe, the official assured that the military would "actively cooperate" with authorities.

Addressing potential issues regarding the criteria for selecting soldiers to be rewarded, the ministry plans to thoroughly verify cases and establish clear rules for presenting rewards.