Seoul: The defense ministry announced its decision to award 11 soldiers for their commendable efforts in safeguarding democracy and upholding "constitutional values" during the failed martial law attempt by former President Yoon Suk Yeol.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back, who holds the distinction of being the country's first civilian defense chief in 64 years, has committed to enhancing military morale by acknowledging those deserving of recognition and holding accountable those who fall short. The ministry emphasized that the honored soldiers were chosen for their dedication to protecting citizens' lives and safety in a critical situation, as well as for their commitment to constitutional values and democracy by refusing to execute illegal orders.

The soldiers selected for these accolades, which include government and military awards, were identified through an audit by the ministry's bureau and a subsequent review by a committee comprising civilian members, including experts in law and academia. The actions that earned them recognition primarily occurred during the martial law imposition in December, where they played crucial roles, such as delaying the entry of special operations forces into the National Assembly and preventing potential conflicts with the public.

Among the awardees is Col. Park Jung-hun, the Marine Corps' lead investigator, who faced charges of insubordination and defamation in a 2023 military investigation into the tragic death of a young Marine. Park, reinstated in July after being acquitted by a military court in January, is one of the key figures acknowledged for his actions.

The military's deployment to the National Assembly during the martial law imposition had attracted scrutiny, with allegations that the troops were intended to prevent lawmakers from overturning Yoon's brief imposition of martial law. Former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun is currently on trial, accused of playing a significant role in a conspiracy to commit insurrection.