Korean Presidential Secretary Resigns After Defending Martial Law: The Kang Jun-wook Controversy That Shook South Korea

The Shocking Appointment That Lasted Only a Week

In what became one of the shortest-lived appointments in South Korean political history, Kang Jun-wook's tenure as National Integration Secretary lasted merely seven days before ending in resignation amid fierce controversy. The former Dongguk University professor was appointed on July 15, 2025, to a newly created position designed to foster national unity under President Lee Jae-myung's administration. However, his past writings defending former President Yoon Suk-yeol's failed martial law attempt quickly surfaced, creating a political firestorm that would ultimately force his departure. The controversy began when media outlets discovered that Kang had published a book titled 'Barbaric Democracy' in March 2025, just months before his appointment. In this controversial work, he characterized Yoon's December 3 martial law declaration as a 'systematic response to the tyranny of the majority party' rather than an unconstitutional power grab. The irony was palpable: a man appointed to unify the nation had written extensively defending actions that had deeply divided it.

The Controversial Book That Changed Everything

Kang's book 'Barbaric Democracy' became the center of intense scrutiny as journalists and political observers dissected its contents. The work contained several inflammatory passages that would prove politically explosive. Most notably, Kang wrote that he defined 'the President's martial law as a non-democratic form of resistance against the opposition's democratic outrage'. He argued that framing the presidential authority to declare martial law as a coup d'état was nothing more than propaganda designed to incite public sentiment. The book also contained harsh criticism of President Lee Jae-myung, with Kang writing that if Lee became president, it would lead to 'a strong, fear-driven, totalitarian and self-righteous regime'. These statements were particularly damaging given that Kang was now serving in Lee's administration in a role specifically designed to promote national reconciliation. Beyond the martial law controversy, the book revealed Kang's broader political worldview, which many critics characterized as far-right extremism. He had previously labeled Democratic Party lawmakers and progressive Justice Party members as 'commies' and questioned South Korean Supreme Court rulings regarding victims of Japanese colonial forced labor.

Public Outrage and Community Reactions

The revelation of Kang's controversial writings triggered an immediate and intense backlash across South Korean society. Online communities, which play a crucial role in shaping public opinion in South Korea, were particularly vocal in their criticism. Major forums and social media platforms buzzed with discussions about how someone with such extreme views could be appointed to a position of national unity. The reaction was swift and overwhelmingly negative, with users expressing shock and disbelief at the appointment. Many pointed out the fundamental contradiction between Kang's role as National Integration Secretary and his past statements that had clearly deepened national divisions. Political commentators noted that the controversy highlighted broader issues with the administration's vetting process for key appointments. The intensity of public reaction was reflected in trending keywords on social media platforms, where terms related to Kang's controversy dominated discussions for days. Critics argued that the appointment sent the wrong message about the administration's commitment to healing national wounds left by the martial law crisis.

The Apology That Wasn't Enough

Faced with mounting criticism, Kang issued a public apology on July 20, attempting to address the growing controversy. In his statement, he acknowledged causing 'deep wounds to the people who have suffered under martial law for several months with the contents and expressions in my book' and expressed sincere apologies. He stated that he would 'do his best to fulfill the President's will to embrace and unify the people who are divided by generations, classes, and ideologies based on thorough reflection'. However, the apology failed to quell the growing storm of criticism. Many observers questioned the sincerity of his change of heart, pointing out that his controversial views had been consistently expressed over many years through various platforms. Critics argued that a simple apology could not erase the damage caused by his extreme positions, particularly his defense of actions that had traumatized the nation. The apology was seen by many as too little, too late, and politically motivated rather than genuinely reflective of a change in his fundamental beliefs. Political opponents and even some within the ruling party called for his immediate resignation, arguing that his continued presence in the administration undermined its credibility.

International Implications and Democratic Concerns

The Kang Jun-wook controversy had broader implications beyond domestic Korean politics, raising questions about South Korea's democratic institutions and international standing. Foreign observers noted the irony of appointing someone who had defended authoritarian actions to a position meant to strengthen democratic unity. The incident highlighted ongoing challenges in South Korean democracy, where political polarization continues to create deep divisions in society. International media coverage of the controversy drew attention to South Korea's struggle to fully reconcile with its authoritarian past and the persistence of far-right ideologies in some segments of society. The appointment also raised questions about the vetting processes used by democratic governments when selecting key personnel. Some international analysts suggested that the controversy demonstrated the fragility of democratic norms and the importance of careful personnel selection in maintaining public trust. The incident served as a reminder that the defense of democratic values requires constant vigilance and that appointments to sensitive positions must be made with careful consideration of their broader implications for social cohesion.

The Final Resignation and Lessons Learned

Unable to withstand the mounting pressure, Kang Jun-wook announced his resignation on July 22, just two days after his public apology. Presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung confirmed that President Lee had accepted the resignation, acknowledging that there was 'strong public criticism that his actions did not align with the governing philosophy and principles of the administration'. The spokesperson emphasized that Kang had voluntarily stepped down to 'take responsibility for his missteps and sincerely apologize to the public'. The administration announced plans to appoint a successor from among conservative figures who share the administration's philosophy and commitment to national unity. The brief but intense controversy surrounding Kang's appointment offered several important lessons for South Korean politics. First, it demonstrated the importance of thorough vetting processes for key government appointments, particularly for positions involving sensitive issues like national unity. Second, it showed that public opinion and democratic accountability remain strong forces in South Korean politics, capable of forcing changes even at the highest levels of government. Finally, the incident highlighted the ongoing challenges of political reconciliation in South Korea and the need for careful consideration when attempting to bridge ideological divides through personnel appointments.