Duty

The defense ministry said Friday it has relieved Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Kang Dong-gil from duty over his alleged involvement in former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s botched martial law bid in late 2024.

The move came a day after the ministry took a similar action against Ground Operations Commander Gen. Joo Sung-un over suspicions of martial law involvement, marking the second such suspension of a four-star general appointed under President Lee Jae Myung’s administration.

“The defense ministry excluded the chief of naval operations as of Friday as allegations in relation to the insurrection case have been identified,” ministry spokesperson Chung Binna said in a briefing.

Kang, who served as chief of the directorate of military support at the Joint Chiefs of Staff at the time of the martial law imposition, was among the seven top-brass officers appointed as four-star generals in September last year.

The allegations involving Kang and Joo were not previously verified ahead of their appointment, a ministry official said, acknowledging limitations in the procedure amid efforts to fill the leadership vacuum caused by the martial law bid.

The official said the ministry continues to firmly carry out measures to determine the circumstances surrounding the martial law imposition, regardless of the ranks of personnel involved.

The deputy chief of the Navy will serve as acting Navy chief following Friday’s decision, the ministry said, adding disciplinary action will be considered for Kang.

On Thursday, the ministry said it has identified around 180 personnel as having been involved in the martial law imposition following a monthslong probe into about 860 general-level and field-grade officers.

It also concluded that some 1,600 personnel across the military affiliated with the Army, counterintelligence command, special operations command and Defense Intelligence Command were found to have been mobilized on the night of the martial law imposition.

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Line of Duty stars recently reunited for a winter drink, sparking speculation that the show’s seventh series is already in production

Fans of Line of Duty were delighted after the show’s main stars got together recently for an informal pint.

The hit BBC police drama wrapped up in May 2021, though reports emerged last year suggesting a seventh series was being developed.

Whilst production is due to kick off this spring in Belfast, the recent get-together of actors Martin Compston, Vicky McClure, and Adrian Dunbar has fuelled rumours that the programme could be back sooner than anticipated.

The trio, portraying central figures in the fictional AC-12 anti-corruption squad, enjoyed a cheerful winter beverage together. They captured a snap holding their drinks, with Martin writing: “AC12 in the house (pub).”

This led to fans swamping the comments with optimism that filming for Line of Duty series 7 might be underway. One enthusiastic viewer asked: “Does this mean there will be more seasons of line of duty?”, reports the Express.

Someone else responded: “This is absolutely excellent news!” whilst a third commented: “Can’t wait for you all to come back in line of duty please get started so we can have something to look forward to.”

The forthcoming series, written by Jed Mercurio, opens with Central Police’s anti-corruption division being dissolved and reformed as the Inspectorate of Police Standards.

A fresh villain, sexual predator DI Dominic Gough, is expected to appear, though the performer taking on this role remains unannounced.

Dunbar, 67, who plays Supt Ted Hastings, warmly received the announcement, stating: “As we count down the AC12 days of Christmas, what a joy it is to know that the Three Amigos will be back on set together next year. Delighted with the news and looking forward to those mercurial twists and turns.”

Compston, 41, who plays DS Steven Arnott, said: “Line of Duty has been a job of a lifetime. Not only in terms of the show’s success but the people I’ve had the opportunity to work with I now call some of my closest friends. I can’t wait to pull the waistcoat on again and get the team back together.”

McClure, 42, famous for playing DC Kate Fleming, added: “It goes without saying I’m so excited Line of Duty is back! Can’t wait to work with Jed, Martin and Adrian again. Belfast, we’ll see you soon!”

Series six broadcast in 2021, with its concluding episode becoming the most-watched drama finale, excluding soaps, since contemporary records commenced in 2002. Including catch-up figures, it attracted more than 17 million viewers within 28 days, and the BBC is undoubtedly anticipating comparable viewing figures upon the show’s return.

Line of Duty is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.

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