Seoul: President Lee Jae Myung on Friday called on military generals to help restore public trust in the military, referring to its involvement in the 2024 imposition of martial law by former President Yoon Suk Yeol.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Lee made the call during a ceremony to present ceremonial flags to promoted military generals, presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung said. Lee emphasized that a long period of time was required to restore public trust in the military following the actions by past military regimes.

The president, in particular, stated, "The task of restoring public trust was created again due to insurrection," urging the generals to "make efforts although the process of restoring trust wouldn't be easy," according to Kang. Referring to the military's involvement in the martial law declaration by ousted former President Yoon, Lee remarked that a few individuals had tarnished the honor of the entire military. Nevertheless, he noted that restoring public trust is an essential task for the military.

During Friday's ceremony, four military generals were presented with ceremonial flags, including Gen. Lee Sang-ryeol, chief of the Army Ground Operations Command, and Lt. Gen. Park Heung-jae, chief of the Air Force Academy.