The Ministry of National Defense said Friday it would move swiftly to consolidate the country's military academies, calling the plan "a cornerstone for breaking with a flawed history and establishing the identity of an armed forces loyal to the Constitution and the people."
A ministry official said the consolidation was being pursued "to prepare for future warfare, improve educational efficiency and strengthen jointness," adding that the ministry planned to push the project forward "with urgency."
The official also said "the vast majority of service members faithfully fulfill their calling as soldiers in loyal service to the nation."
The remarks appear to reflect comments President Lee Jae-myung made Wednesday during a ministry briefing, in which he cited three past military coups and asked, "These were carried out by Korea Military Academy graduates — has anyone ever been held accountable?" Lee stressed that merging the academies was necessary to prevent a recurrence.
Asked about a statement issued Thursday by 46 former chiefs of staff — who "strongly urged" a review of the consolidation plan — the ministry official offered no direct response, saying only, "We have no separate position. Various opinions can be expressed."
The academy merger is both a campaign pledge and a state policy priority for President Lee. Last month, the ministry unveiled a basic plan to establish a four-year "Korea Armed Forces Academy" at Jaunhae in Daejeon, consolidating the Army, Navy and Air Force academies into a single institution.
The ministry plans to hold a public hearing on the new academy on Aug. 26 to gather opinions from a broad range of stakeholders, and intends to finalize and announce a detailed establishment plan around October.
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