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South Korean Defence Minister and Ministry Deny Desertion Claims Over 1980s Military Record
Questions have resurfaced about a gap in Defence Minister Ahn Gyu-back’s military service record from the 1980s. The government maintains it was an administrative error, while an accuser alleges absence without leave.
Jul 20, 11:14 PM·1m read1 source
South China Morning PostAudio version
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South Korean Defence Minister Ahn Gyu-back’s military service record from more than four decades ago has come under renewed scrutiny, South China Morning Post reported. The record shows he began mandatory service on November 5, 1983, and was discharged on August 31, 1985, amounting to roughly 22 months. Territorial defence soldiers at the time normally served for 14 months.
An accuser alleged the discrepancy reflected an absence without leave lasting several months, a period of detention and a subsequent order to complete additional service. Ahn and the Ministry of National Defence stated he never deserted his unit and attributed irregularities in his military record to administrative errors. Ahn told lawmakers: “I never deserted.
I have lived my life without anything to be ashamed of. ” The issue first drew wider attention during Ahn’s confirmation hearing as defence minister last year.
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