Seoul: Photos of former presidents Chun Doo-hwan and Roh Tae-woo, who were deeply involved in a 1979 military coup, will be removed from military units in accordance with a revised directive on displaying photos of former commanders, according to the defense ministry Tuesday. The revision aims to address the ongoing issue of displaying images of commanders sentenced on charges such as insurrection and corruption.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the move comes amid plans to ban the display of photos of commanders following former President Yoon Suk Yeol's failed martial law bid in late 2024. Previously, such photos could be displayed for preserving historic records. However, with the revised directive, only the rank, name, and term of such commanders will be approved for display.

The Defense Counterintelligence Command, where both former Presidents Chun and Roh served as commanders, has already taken steps to remove photos of all former commanders. The command plans to display only those photos approved by the ministry, aligning with the new directive.

With this revision, photos of senior military officials currently standing trial over allegations linked to Yoon's martial law bid, including former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun and former Defense Counterintelligence Commander Yeo In-hyung, are anticipated to be removed once their charges are finalized.