In 2013, Park An-soo appeared in the MBC variety show “Real Men” during the Haeryong Unit episode.
At the time, Park An-soo was the regimental commander (colonel) of the 50th Infantry Division and received moving reports from cast members Kim Soo-ro, Sam Hammington, Ryu Soo-young, Seo Kyung-seok, and Son Jin -young.
During the episode, Park An-soo jokingly commented on Kim Soo-ro’s commanding voice, praised Ryu Soo-young’s determination, and encouraged Seo Kyung-seok to be “passionate like fire“. To Son Jin-young, who said he aspired to become a dragon, Park An-soo joked: “Have you seen the dragon throne over there?” When Sam Hammington vowed to avoid using the letter “yo”, Park An-soo said: “It’s okay to use them occasionally.“
Park An-soo also welcomed the Haeryong Unit cast, urging them to “be proud as soldiers“. Addressing Kim Soo-ro, who had suffered a shoulder injury, Park An-soo remarked: “There is still a role you can play for the country.”
With the declaration of martial law, this 11-year-old footage was brought back into the spotlight. MBC even uploaded the scene to its official YouTube channel, prompting netizens to comment, “Martial Law Commander on ‘Real Men’”, “I can’t believe he’s the commander now” AND “This took place as quickly as the resolution on the repeal of martial law was adopted.”
On December 3, President Yoon Suk-yeol declared martial law and appointed four-star general Park An-soo, the current army chief of staff, as martial law commander. This decision bypassed Kim Myung-soo, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the highest-ranking military officer, sparking discussions about its unusual nature.
Born in 1968 and a graduate of the 46th class of the Korean Military Academy, Park An-soo served as commander of the 8th Corps, 39th Infantry Division and director of operations planning at the Ground Operations Command. His appointment as Army chief of staff last year was seen by some as an unusually quick promotion.
In his first decree as martial law commander, issued on December 3 at 11pm, Park An-soo stated: “To protect the liberal democratic order and ensure public safety against anti-state forces threatening to overthrow the Republic of Korea, the following nationwide measures are announced.” He banned political activities, assemblies and protests, placing all media and publications under the control of martial law.
Despite these statements, President Yoon lifted martial law at 4 am on December 4, just six hours after announcing it, following the National Assembly’s unanimous resolution to repeal it.
Source: Daum
