Defense Ministry: Desertion Allegations False, Minister Ahn Plans to Request Military Record Correction After Term

The Ministry of National Defense stated that allegations claiming Minister Ahn Gyu-back deserted his post while serving as a defense soldier are clearly false, adding that the Minister plans to request a correction of errors in his military service records after his term ends.

A Ministry official said, "If he were to request a correction while serving as Minister of National Defense, it could spark further controversy," adding, "He plans to file for the correction and take additional measures once he completes his assigned duties and returns to a private citizen status without power."

Regarding suggestions that Minister Ahn should disclose his military records to resolve the suspicions, the official explained, "If we disclose records that were incorrectly documented 40 years ago, wouldn't only the incorrect records remain in people's minds regardless of the facts? It would only further fuel misunderstandings, which is why they have not been disclosed."

Minister Ahn's service period as a defense soldier was recorded as 22 months instead of the actual 14 months in his military service record, leading opposition parties to raise suspicions of desertion or detention in a military brig during his confirmation hearing in July of last year.

The military service record indicates that he enlisted as an Army defense soldier in November 1983 and was discharged as a private first class in August 1985. However, the explanation is that he actually served for 14 months and was discharged on January 4, 1985, returning to university that same year. He was later notified to complete additional service, which he fulfilled during his summer break in August, causing the final date of that service to be recorded as his discharge date.

The Ministry official emphasized that while Minister Ahn stated during the confirmation hearing that he had been investigated for a few days, he never received any disciplinary action, including detention, adding, "That is why he has consistently maintained that he is a victim of administrative errors in his military records."

The allegations regarding Minister Ahn's desertion have been reignited recently by opposition parties, coinciding with public backlash against defense policies currently being pushed by the government, such as the integration of the Army, Navy, and Air Force academies.
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