The Ministry of National Defense on the 11th dismissed Chae-il, head of the Defense Media Agency, citing abuse of editorial authority and other reasons.
In a text notice the same day, the Ministry of National Defense said, "In connection with the request for severe disciplinary action against the head of the Defense Media Agency by the central disciplinary committee over abuse of editorial authority, unfair personnel measures against staff, and gapjil, we dismissed the head of the Defense Media Agency effective today, following notification of the central disciplinary committee's decision on the 10th of this month."
Earlier, the Ministry of National Defense conducted an audit from July 24 to 30 into allegations that, after the "Dec. 3 martial law," the former chief Chae ordered a halt to progressive newspapers, ordered limits on defense media coverage of the first call between Presidents Lee Jae-myung and the U.S. president after Lee took office, and restricted coverage of remarks related to "insurrection" in Ahn Gyu-baek, the defense minister's, inaugural address.
Based on the audit results, the Ministry of National Defense determined that former chief Chae violated the duty of diligence and the duty to maintain dignity under the State Public Officials Act, and on Aug. 4 requested disciplinary action from the central disciplinary committee. In line with relevant rules, the ministry also relieved Chae of duties until the disciplinary decision.
Chae, a former KBS reporter, served as a special adviser for public relations on Yoon Suk-yeol's campaign when the former president was a presidential candidate, and was appointed head of the Defense Media Agency in May 2023.