Learn Korean: Debate Over Martial Law Imposition

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Korean Reading Practice

이진관, "계엄 반대한 것 맞나" 집중 추궁에 박성재 ...

Date: February 11, 2026

Introduction

This reading material discusses the responses of former Minister of Justice Park Seong-jae and former Ministry of Justice Inspector General Ryu Hyeok regarding their opposition to martial law during the 1980s. It provides insights into their actions and statements during that critical period.

Vocabulary

Korean Romanization Meaning Example
계엄 gyeeom martial law 계엄 선포에 반대했다.He opposed the declaration of martial law.
장관 janggwan minister 박 전 장관은 계엄에 반대했다.Former Minister Park opposed martial law.
감찰관 gamchalgwan inspector general 류 전 감찰관은 계엄 회의에 참석하지 않겠다고 밝혔다.Former Inspector General Ryu said he would not attend the martial law meeting.
요건 yogeon requirements 법적으로 계엄 요건이 충족되지 않았다.The legal requirements for martial law were not met.
반대 bandae opposition 박 전 장관은 계엄에 반대했다.Former Minister Park opposed martial law.
사표 sapyo resignation 류 전 감찰관은 사표를 쓰겠다고 밝혔다.Former Inspector General Ryu said he would submit his resignation.
간부 ganbu executive 법무부 간부 회의에 참석했다.He attended the Ministry of Justice executive meeting.
소집 sogip convene 계엄 직후 간부 회의가 소집되었다.An executive meeting was convened immediately after martial law.
참석 chamseok attend 류 전 감찰관은 회의에 참석하지 않겠다고 밝혔다.Former Inspector General Ryu said he would not attend the meeting.
지시 jisi instruction 어떤 지시도 따르지 않겠다고 했다.He said he would not follow any instructions.
선포 seonpo declaration 계엄 선포에 반대했다.He opposed the declaration of martial law.
요구 yogu demand 계엄 요구에 반대했다.He opposed the demand for martial law.

Reading Text

이진관 재판장은 박 전 장관에게 "계엄 반대한 것이 맞느냐"고 물었다. 이에 박 전 장관은 법적으로 계엄 요건이 충족되지 않았다고 생각했기 때문에 계엄으로 해결할 수 있는 상황이 아니라면서 반대했다고 답변했다.

Judge Lee Jin-gwan asked former Minister Park, "Is it true that you opposed martial law?" In response, former Minister Park said that he opposed it because he believed the legal requirements for martial law were not met, and the situation did not warrant resolving it through martial law.

한편, 이날 증인으로 출석한 류 전 감찰관은 계엄 직후 열린 법무부 간부 회의에 참석했다. 그는 "계엄 관련 회의라면 참석할 수 없고, 명령이나 지시도 따르지 않겠다. 사표를 내겠다"고 밝혔다. 이에 박 전 장관이 "그렇게 하세요"라고 말했다고 증언했다.

Meanwhile, former Inspector General Ryu, who testified as a witness that day, attended the Ministry of Justice executive meeting held immediately after martial law was declared. He said, "If this is a martial law-related meeting, I cannot attend, and I will not follow any orders or instructions. I will submit my resignation." Former Minister Park then told him, "Go ahead and do that," according to Ryu's testimony.

박 전 장관은 계엄 요건이 충족되지 않았다고 생각했기 때문에 계엄 선포에 반대했다. 반면 류 전 감찰관은 계엄 관련 회의에 참석하지 않겠다고 밝히며 사표를 내겠다고 했다. 이들의 행동은 당시 상황에 대한 그들의 입장을 잘 보여준다.

Former Minister Park opposed the declaration of martial law because he believed the legal requirements were not met. In contrast, former Inspector General Ryu stated that he would not attend the martial law-related meeting and would submit his resignation. Their actions demonstrate their respective positions on the situation at the time.

당시 계엄 선포에 반대한 사람들은 민주화 운동을 지지하는 이들이었다. 이들은 계엄이 민주주의를 억압하는 수단으로 악용될 수 있다고 우려했다. 이번 재판을 통해 그들의 용기 있는 행동이 드러나고 있다.

Those who opposed the declaration of martial law at the time were supporters of the democratization movement. They were concerned that martial law could be abused as a means of suppressing democracy. Through this trial, their courageous actions are being revealed.

Grammar Points

-기 때문에 because of

Attaches to a verb stem to express reason or cause: 'because of ~ing / because (one) did ~'. Formation: verb stem + -기 때문에.

📖 박 전 장관은 계엄 요건이 충족되지 않았다고 생각했기 때문에 계엄 선포에 반대했다. Former Minister Park opposed the declaration of martial law because he thought the martial law requirements were not met.

✏️ 피곤하기 때문에 일찍 잠자리에 들었어요. I went to bed early because I was tired.

-을/를 통해(서) through / via

Means 'through / via': attaches to a noun with object particle 을/를 + 통해(서) to indicate the means or medium through which something happens.

📖 이번 재판을 통해 그들의 용기 있는 행동이 드러나고 있다. Through this trial, their courageous actions are being revealed.

✏️ 인터넷을 통해 많은 정보를 얻을 수 있어요. You can get a lot of information through the internet.

Cultural Notes

The period of martial law in the 1980s in South Korea was a critical time in the country's democratization process. Those who opposed the declaration of martial law, like former Minister Park and former Inspector General Ryu, were risking their careers and even their safety to stand up for democratic values. Their actions demonstrate the courage and conviction of those who fought against authoritarian rule during this pivotal moment in Korean history.

Source: 네이버 뉴스 | Original Article
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📝 Comprehension Questions

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Q1

Why did former Minister Park oppose the declaration of martial law?

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Q2

What did former Inspector General Ryu say he would do during the executive meeting after martial law was declared?

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Q3

How did former Minister Park respond to Ryu's statement about not attending the meeting and submitting his resignation?

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Q4

What was the general attitude of those who opposed martial law at the time?

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Q5

What is the significance of this trial in revealing the actions of those who opposed martial law?

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