Kim Young-soo, head of the Whistleblower Center and a former Navy lieutenant colonel, has filed a police report alleging that Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-baek was involved in a desertion incident during his service as a reserve soldier. Online, calls have emerged for Ahn to publicly disclose his military records.
On July 6, Kim held a press conference at the National Assembly's communication hall, where he announced that he had submitted a formal complaint regarding Ahn's alleged long-term military absence and false testimony during his confirmation hearing.
"Today's announcement is not a press conference about 'desertion allegations' but rather about a 'desertion incident,'" Kim stated, adding, "If this is not true, I will take responsibility for it."
He explained that he reported Ahn to the police on June 27 for violations related to testimony and evidence laws, and that the case is currently under investigation by the Yongsan Police Station in Seoul.
According to Kim, Ahn served as a reserve soldier in the Army's 35th Division and was absent from duty for approximately seven months. He was later apprehended by military police and detained for about 30 days, after which he completed an additional eight months of service.
"As a reserve soldier, he was required to report for duty, so a seven-month absence effectively means he did not show up for work during that time," Kim argued, adding that there are indications the unit commander may have condoned or agreed to this absence.
He noted that the Dae-san Police Station reported the incident to military police, leading to Ahn's eventual arrest and detention, which resulted in his additional service.
Kim also claimed that during last year's National Assembly confirmation hearing, Ahn denied the allegations related to his military absence.
"Ahn stated during the hearing that there was no military absence or detention, and that he only had to serve additional time due to an investigation regarding his mother providing meals to unit members for three days," Kim said. "However, under military service law, it is difficult to accept that someone who has already been discharged could return for a few days of service and then be discharged again."
He added, "In addition to military records, there should be various related documents, such as investigation materials, personnel orders, and security records, remaining in military archives. To date, the minister's side has not provided a clear explanation regarding the military absence and detention."
However, these claims remain one-sided and have not been substantiated by investigative agencies or the courts.
Ahn's office has also not officially acknowledged the related allegations.
Following the press conference, discussions erupted online regarding whether Ahn should disclose his military records.
One netizen commented, "If you are confident, you should disclose your military records. The opposition party demanded document disclosure during the confirmation hearing, but Ahn only explained it as a military administration error and refused to submit documents, which raises suspicion." Another added, "I have never heard of a reserve soldier deserting; it's shocking that the defense minister is embroiled in a desertion controversy. If the desertion is true, he should resign immediately. The truth must be revealed through investigation."
Meanwhile, the police are currently verifying the facts related to Kim's complaint, and attention is focused on the outcome of the investigation and any further statements from Ahn's side.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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