Ministry of National Defense [Yonhap]
Ministry of National Defense [Yonhap]

The Ministry of National Defense expressed regret Sunday over a Korea Military Academy alumnus who attempted to jump from a building in protest of plans to merge the country's military academies, urging opponents to voice their views through official channels.

"I personally find it regrettable that he chose such an extreme way to express his opinion," ministry spokesperson Jeong Bit-na said. She added that the establishment of a unified military academy was being pursued "as an innovation aimed at preparing for future warfare, improving efficiency and training future officers." She asked that critics "participate in the public hearing and actively share your opinions so that a constructive and productive forum for public discourse can take shape."

On Sunday, a man surnamed Won, a Korea Military Academy graduate in his 60s, attempted to jump from the roof of the Defense Convention building in Yongsan, Seoul, in protest of the government's policy to merge the Army, Navy and Air Force academies into a single institution. Police, who responded to a report of the incident, arrested him at the scene on charges of property destruction. Authorities subsequently had him admitted to a hospital on an emergency basis, determining he posed a risk of self-harm.

The Korea Military Academy Alumni Association said Won had long held the view that the merger was unjust and had been deeply troubled by the issue before the incident occurred. "Because this is a matter related to an individual's dignity and honor, as well as human dignity and social sentiment, the alumni association is making no presumptions and is awaiting the results of the police investigation," it said.

If you are thinking about self-harm or suicide, contact the Ministry of Health and Welfare's helpline 1393, available 24/7. Please request a translator for English-language services.


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