Lee urges newly promoted generals to restore public trust in military

President Lee Jae Myung said Friday that the military must work to rebuild public trust after the recent insurrection, as he received promotion reports from senior officers and presented them with ceremonial swords. "Efforts to restore trust in the military from its history of military rule have been long, but the insurrection that occurred again has left the task of regaining public confidence," Lee said.

Cheong Wa Dae chief spokesperson Kang Yu-jung conveyed the president's remarks in a written briefing Friday, saying Lee had presided over a promotion report and ceremonial sword presentation ceremony at Cheong Wa Dae.

The ceremony was attended by Lee Sang-ryeol, commander of the Army Ground Operations Command, who was promoted from lieutenant general to general, and three officers promoted from major general to lieutenant general — Park Heung-jae, superintendent of the Air Force Academy; Yun Han-il, chief of staff of the Ground Operations Command; and Jo Chung-ho, vice chief of naval operations.

During a reception following the ceremony, Lee urged the officers to fulfill their responsibilities at a difficult time. "You have been entrusted with important roles in a challenging period — please carry them out well," he said. "The process of restoring trust will not be easy, but I ask that you make every effort."

Lee repeated his call, saying the officers might feel aggrieved that the actions of a few had tarnished the honor of the whole, but that restoring public trust was something the military must do. "Effort and dedication are met with results and recognition, so I hope the top leadership will work and serve with a sense of responsibility," he said.