Song Young-geun, Commander of Defense Security Command, Submits Application for Discharge

Lt. Gen. Song Young-geun, commander of the Defense Security Command, submitted an application for discharge from service, leaving only two months before his term of office ends in April.

A Minister of National Defense official said on Sunday, “by National Defense Minister Yoon Kwang-ung accepted Commander Song’s intention to resign a few days ago. Prior to military’s personnel changes that will take place in spring, Commander Song, a graduate of the 27th class of the Korea Military Academy, decided to leave to give his juniors opportunities.”

The official stated, “I believe Commander Song let Minister Yoon know his thoughts that ‘It is inappropriate for the commander, facing the end of his term in office, to ask for advice concerning future personnel changes to the minister. It should be left to the next commander of the defense security command.”

It has been said that Song felt uncomfortable evaluating his classmates from the 27th class for the next possible successor as the head of the Defense Security Command.

The appointment of Song’s successor will take place sometime within this week. It has been said that Chun and Kim, major generals among the 29th class of the Korea Military Academy, and Jung, a lieutenant general, are possible candidates to replace Song.

Sang-Ho Yun ysh1005@donga.com