By General (Ret.) Hyun-Kook Choi
- Why I Have Chosen Lee Jae-myung in Korea’s Defining Presidential Election
- As Korea grapples with democratic backsliding and regional uncertainty, one veteran finds his mission again — not on the battlefield, but in defence of truth, honour, and future leadership.
Just three years have passed since I concluded a long and honourable career in the South Korean military. I had imagined a quieter life ahead. But the spectre of political betrayal—the anti-constitutional imposition of martial law on 3 December—has ignited in me a mission I never expected to take on: to defend the dignity of the armed forces, and to protect the democratic fabric of our nation.
Each morning now begins with placard rallies and street campaigns. This morning, at the 53rd Division, I once again stood before the public. The sight of Busan residents offering a silent ‘thumbs up’ from their car windows still moves me. That silent gesture of support wipes away the fatigue of early mornings and long marches.
As someone who served at the highest levels—among the Joint Chiefs of Staff, participating in countless combined and joint drills—I have a sober understanding of martial law. What I witnessed on 3 December was an unforgivable distortion. In a single moment, it felt as if seven decades of service, discipline, and trust collapsed under the weight of ambition and disregard.
The world is changing at a pace faster than any time in living memory. While innovation in science and technology propels humanity forward, the planet is simultaneously being pulled back—by the grip of climate crisis, energy insecurity, and food shortages. These are no longer mere environmental or economic issues. They are security challenges of the highest order. South Korea, meanwhile, has drifted—its governance destabilised and its direction unclear.
There is no time for political hesitation. The moment demands action. And I am confident that Lee Jae-myung, presidential candidate of the Democratic Party, possesses both the clarity and courage to rise to the moment. He is not only an advocate of practical diplomacy—who seeks balance between the United States, China, and Russia—but also a strategist who centres Korea’s national interests above all else.
When it comes to the most pressing issue on our peninsula—North Korea’s nuclear programme—Lee offers a realistic vision: phased, comprehensive denuclearisation through dialogue and diplomacy. No theatrics. No empty slogans. Just wise statecraft for an enduring peace.
Lee also understands what truly moves modern Korea: the dynamism of its youth and the power of its global culture. He champions K-Defence, K-Culture, and K-Innovation with a seriousness that connects not only with the international community but with the next generation of Koreans. He is the only candidate I believe can turn our present uncertainty into lasting opportunity.
This afternoon, I move on to BEXCO in Busan, where the Marine Defence Exhibition (MADEX) is currently underway. Among representatives of global defence industries, military buyers, and promising young Korean officers, I will again speak firmly and clearly: Security, defence, and the future of Korea belong in capable, trustworthy hands. That is why I will raise my voice—for national dignity, for military honour, and for Candidate No.1, Lee Jae-myung.
Together with Admiral Boo Suk-jong (former Chief of Naval Operations), Lee Jong-hwa (former Director of the National Intelligence Service), General Kim Hong-chul (former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff), and Commander Ryu Hyo-sang (former Navy Fleet Commander), I believe victory on 3 June is not only possible—it is necessary.
About the Author
General (Ret.) Hyun-Kook Choi is a former Deputy Chairman of the Republic of Korea Joint Chiefs of Staff and a decorated Air Force commander. His 36-year military career includes leadership roles as Superintendent of the Korea Air Force Academy, Commander of the Air Force Education and Training Command, and Chief of the 16th Fighter Wing, where he was awarded a Presidential Commendation. He served as Director of Operations and Personnel at the Joint Chiefs and has contributed extensively to strategic planning on nuclear deterrence, cyber-electromagnetic warfare, and defence transformation.
Since retiring in 2021, he has been a visiting professor at Korea Aerospace University and Kyonggi University, where he also directs the Defence Integrated Platform Support Logistics (DIPSL) Institute. General Choi currently serves as a senior advisory member to the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute, co-chairs the National Defence Forum of the Buddhist Leaders’ Circle, and acts as Secretary General of the “Poomasi” civic solidarity movement.
He is a prominent national security commentator and regular contributor to policy dialogues on South Korea’s role in Northeast Asia’s stability.
Author:General (Ret.) Hyun-Kook Choi
