President Lee Denounces ‘Fake’ Rifle Reports as Political Attack Following Military Controversy

The dispute began after a report alleged that the rifle used by President Lee to demonstrate his marksman skills was a model that ordinary soldiers at the unit had never encountered. In response, the Ministry of National Defense stated that all infantry combat personnel at the Yeonpyeong unit are currently using the K2C1 rifle, the same model involved in the controversy.

President Lee characterized the reporting as a “political attack based on fabrication.” According to statements reported by Yonhap News and Gyeonggi Ilbo, the president described the claims as a “political attack based on fabrication” and “organized political attacks.”

Ministry of National Defense Verifies K2C1 Deployment

The South Korean Ministry of National Defense stepped in to clarify the equipment status of the frontline troops. According to an official announcement posted via the Republic of Korea Policy Briefing portal, the ministry confirmed that every infantry combat soldier at the Yeonpyeong unit is equipped with and utilizing the K2C1 rifle.

President Lee’s Reaction to ‘Marksman’ Allegations

As reported by Yonhap News, the president viewed the reports as a “political attack based on fabrication.”

Conflicting Narratives on Military Equipment

While some reports claimed soldiers stated they had “never seen” the rifle in question, the government maintains a blanket deployment of the K2C1 across the unit’s combat personnel.

For those seeking further official updates on military procurement or presidential schedules, the Ministry of National Defense official website provides the primary record of equipment deployment and unit readiness.

We invite readers to share their perspectives on the intersection of military transparency and political image in the comments below.