President Yoon Suk-yeol’s martial law declaration has exposed systemic flaws in the country’s military, including factionalism, politicization and ineffective leadership, sparking calls for sweeping reforms to restore its neutrality and professionalism.

Yoon’s unprecedented decision to deploy armed troops to the National Assembly, which drew parallels to past military crackdowns, led to widespread public outrage and experts warn that without addressing these structural vulnerabilities, South Korea risks further erosion of public trust in its democratic institutions.

POLITICIZATION AND FACTIONALISM

One of the most pressing challenges within the military is its vulnerability to factionalism and political interference. Experts pointed to the dominance of exclusive networks, such as the Korea Military Academy alumni, in securing key leadership roles while sidelining other qualified officers.

Choi Gi-il, a professor at Sangji University’s National Security Division and a former administrative officer at the Blue House National Security Office, described these entrenched practices as a major obstacle to reform.

“These deeply entrenched practices are now being exposed for what they are, and they must be eradicated if we’re to move forward,” Choi told Korea Pro.

The martial law incident has also brought scrutiny to the so-called “Chung-am High School Faction,” comprising the president, former defense minister Kim Yong-hyun, and former Army Counterintelligence Command Chief Yeo In-hyung.

Investigators allege that this group orchestrated the deployment of troops, with additional support from officers linked to Kim through the Korea Military Academy. This network’s alleged role has drawn comparisons to Hanahoe, the secretive military clique that dominated South Korea’s armed forces during the 1980s.

The politicization of leadership positions has led to widespread criticism from opposition lawmakers and defense analysts, who argue that these practices undermine the military’s credibility and neutrality. Local media editorials have decried the influence of “politicized officers,” emphasizing the need to remove cliques and restore merit-based leadership within the armed forces.

Then-President Kim Young-sam promotes non-Hanahoe General Kim Dong-jin to Army Chief of Staff in 1993 | Image: ROK Presidential Archives

LESSONS FROM HANAHOE

The Hanahoe clique serves as a historical example of how entrenched networks can threaten military professionalism and democracy.

Starting in March 1993, then-President Kim Young-sam, South Korea’s first civilian leader since 1961, swiftly dismantled the military clique within his first year in office.

The purge began with key leadership changes and culminated in the retirement of 18 generals in May of the same year, including officers linked to the 1979 coup that allowed Chun Doo-hwan to seize power.

For instance, Kim Young-sam removed Hanahoe officers from key positions and forbade the practice of senior military officers carrying out private meetings with the president. These moves effectively removed Hanahoe’s grip on key military posts, marking a turning point in consolidating civilian control over the armed forces.

Choi of Sangji University highlighted Kim’s accomplishments, noting their relevance to the current crisis.

“The elimination of private cliques within the military allowed for a complete reorganization and a step forward for our armed forces,” Choi said. While he expressed confidence that any future administration, regardless of political leaning, will prioritize addressing the military’s structural flaws, he said that the approach may vary depending on which party comes into power.

“If the next administration is conservative, it will still have to address the shortcomings of the current Yoon Suk-yeol administration. Reform will be inevitable to restore credibility and effectiveness,” Choi said.

“If a progressive government comes to power, we can expect military restructuring on a scale that dwarfs even the disbanding of the Hanahoe faction under the Kim Young-sam administration. This is an essential step in earning back the military’s credibility and public trust,” he said.

Chun Doo-hwan, leader of Hanahoe and later President, congratulates Roh Tae-woo during Roh’s promotion to a four-star general in July 1981 | Image: ROK Archives

A BROKEN PROMOTION SYSTEM

Yoon’s martial law declaration has also brought attention to flaws in the military’s promotion and leadership development processes, which experts say prioritize loyalty over professionalism. 

Yang Uk, a military analyst at the Seoul-based Asan Institute for Policy Studies, criticized the politicization of promotions as a systemic issue that undermines the military’s effectiveness.

“During promotion cycles, you see political forces scrambling to push their people forward. This undermines the independence and fairness of the process. While some influence from the administration is natural, the current system prioritizes loyalty over professionalism,” Yang said.

“When you prioritize loyalty to political agendas, you end up with leaders who can’t even perform basic tasks effectively. ‘Yes-men’ dominate the ranks, and the result is a military that struggles to fulfill its primary role,” he said.

Yang also noted the lack of principled leadership during Yoon’s short-lived martial law as evidence of this systemic failure.

“There wasn’t a single commander that was willing to stand up and say, ‘This is wrong, sir. I can’t do this.’ This shows the consequences of promoting yes-men over capable leaders,” he said.

This failure to cultivate independent, effective leaders has led to a culture of excessive loyalty that leaves the military vulnerable to inefficiency and political manipulation. Without meaningful reform, experts warn, the military will remain unprepared to fulfill its core responsibilities in a democratic society.

From left: Admiral Kim Myung-soo, Chairman of the ROK Joint Chiefs of Staff faces questioning on the military’s role in Yoon’s martial law from Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Byung-joo during a parliamentary special committee hearing on Jan. 14 | Image: National Assembly via YouTube

THE PATH TO REFORM

Restoring trust in South Korea’s armed forces requires more than surface-level changes. Experts argue that the military needs systemic reforms to address its leadership culture, promotion processes and overall alignment with democratic principles.

Yang emphasized the importance of selecting and advancing officers based on expertise and independence rather than political loyalty.

“The military’s role in a democratic society is not to serve any particular administration but to uphold the Constitution and defend the nation. Without a clear and reliable system for promotions and leadership, we will continue to sideline capable officers and stagnate as an institution,” he said.

“The question is not just about making the military more combat-ready or efficient — it’s about redefining its purpose and role in a democratic framework. Without addressing this foundational issue, no amount of modernization will truly reform the armed forces,” Yang added.

Rhee Jong-hoon, a senior consultant at Politics and Business Consulting, echoed these concerns, calling for a complete overhaul of the military’s leadership structure.

“A complete overhaul of the military leadership and culture is essential,” Rhee said. He emphasized the importance of aligning the armed forces with national interests rather than partisan agendas.

Choi argued that this moment should not be wasted, calling for decisive action.

“The military needs more than just reform — it needs a transformation. We must overhaul everything from its leadership structures to its foundational principles. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to redefine what the armed forces represent and ensure they are equipped to handle the challenges of the future,” he told Korea Pro.

South Korean marines greet the public on an ROK Marine Corps Amphibious Assault Vehicle as they parade through downtown Seoul on Oct. 1 | Image: Korea Pro

DEFINING THE MILITARY’S FUTURE

Yoon’s martial law declaration will likely act as a turning point for South Korea’s armed forces. With rising geopolitical tensions and South Korea’s global security responsibilities expanding, a military that operates free from political influence is vital. The path forward involves not just addressing the symptoms of dysfunction but redefining the military’s foundational role within a democratic framework.

The decisions made in the coming months will shape the trajectory of South Korea’s military for years to come. By fostering accountability, meritocracy and adherence to democratic norms, South Korea has the opportunity to transform its armed forces into a model institution.

But it remains to be seen whether future South Korean governments will have the necessary political will to see through extensive military reforms.

Edited by John Lee