Controversy is spreading in political circles and within and outside the military after it was belatedly revealed that Defense Minister Ahn Kyu-baek cited a quote from Mao Zedong's writings as his personal motto. Mao Zedong is widely regarded as the figure who decided to dispatch Chinese Communist forces during the Korean War, cementing the division of the Korean Peninsula.

Past Remarks on the Same Subject… Dating Back to His Tenure as Democratic Party Secretary-General in 2016

According to political and military officials, Minister Ahn has a track record of linking Mao Zedong's beliefs to his own motto in the past. In a 2016 interview with some media outlets upon assuming the role of Secretary-General of the Democratic Party of Korea, Minister Ahn stated, "My motto is 'Cheobyeonbulgyeong' (remaining calm in the face of changing circumstances). It means not being startled by any changes and not acting rashly — it was a phrase that former Chairman Mao Zedong adopted as his credo."

Flashpoint of the Controversy: June 15 Visit to the Air Force Academy

The recent controversy stems from a meeting Minister Ahn held with faculty, training officers, and cadets during his visit to the Air Force Academy on June 15. At this gathering, Minister Ahn reportedly introduced the four-character idiom 'Cheobyeonbulgyeong' as his motto, emphasizing, "The 'Cheobyeonbulgyeong' that Mao Zedong always kept in his heart while ruling the Chinese mainland — Mao Zedong's motto is my motto."

Criticism Pours In from Political Circles and Netizens

As these remarks belatedly came to light, criticism of the Defense Minister's views on national security and historical awareness has been mounting from political circles and within and outside the military. Online, netizens have been voicing critical reactions, with comments such as "What is happening to this country?", "Mao Zedong is the nation's chief culprit who sent troops to the Korean Peninsula on the verge of reunification during the Korean War, perpetuating the division," and "We must not forget North Korea and China, which massacred our people during the Korean War."

Defense Ministry: "Merely a Humanistic Analogy… No Intention to Endorse a Specific Figure"

In response, the Defense Ministry explained, "It was simply a humanistic analogy meant to convey the message of responding steadfastly to changes in circumstances, with absolutely no intention to endorse or emphasize any specific political figure or ideology." The ministry clarified that it was a metaphor used to emphasize the military's readiness and crisis response capabilities amid a rapidly shifting international landscape.

Meanwhile, during his past National Assembly confirmation hearings, Minister Ahn Kyu-baek faced allegations of going AWOL during his mandatory military service, which became a source of controversy after he failed to submit his service records.