Kang Shin-cheol, the nominee for Minister of National Defense, stated on September 3 that the planned transition of wartime operational control by the end of this year will be pursued in a manner that strengthens the ROK-U.S. alliance.
Speaking to reporters on his way to the confirmation hearing preparation office at the National Defense Convention in Seoul, Kang emphasized, "The transition of wartime operational control is possible because of the ROK-U.S. alliance. Without the alliance, the concept of transitioning wartime operational control would not exist."
Regarding his nomination as minister, he remarked, "I am well aware of the heavy responsibilities that come with the position of Minister of National Defense," adding, "I feel a weight that is beyond words. I will fulfill the mission entrusted to me."
Kang also addressed concerns about the consolidation of the Army, Navy, and Air Force academies, stating, "I understand there are various opinions and concerns," and refrained from giving a direct answer. He noted, "I believe these concerns stem from a love for the military," and pledged to ensure the cultivation of excellent talent.
As a four-star general and graduate of the Army Academy, Kang responded to expectations that he might slow down or retract the consolidation by stating that the military academies are assets of the Republic of Korea, not of any specific branch or group.
He emphasized, "Both our past and present, as well as our future, are all ours," and remarked that the Army, Navy, and Air Force academies have been part of the history of the Republic of Korea.
Kang added, "Regardless of how the military academies looked in the past, where they were located, or what names they had, they were all military academies of the Republic of Korea. The future military academy will also belong to no one but the Republic of Korea."
When asked how he would handle a conflict between the Commander-in-Chief and his defense philosophy, he replied, "To change, there are things that must remain unchanged, and to remain unchanged, there are things that must change. I will distinguish between the two and move in a direction that can truly bring about change."
Kang expressed his hope for a policy-centered verification during the National Assembly confirmation hearing scheduled for September 16. He stated, "There are defense policies we must pursue," and expressed a desire for the hearing to be a forum for discussing and deliberating the direction these policies should take in the future.
Speaking to reporters on his way to the confirmation hearing preparation office at the National Defense Convention in Seoul, Kang emphasized, "The transition of wartime operational control is possible because of the ROK-U.S. alliance. Without the alliance, the concept of transitioning wartime operational control would not exist."
Regarding his nomination as minister, he remarked, "I am well aware of the heavy responsibilities that come with the position of Minister of National Defense," adding, "I feel a weight that is beyond words. I will fulfill the mission entrusted to me."
Kang also addressed concerns about the consolidation of the Army, Navy, and Air Force academies, stating, "I understand there are various opinions and concerns," and refrained from giving a direct answer. He noted, "I believe these concerns stem from a love for the military," and pledged to ensure the cultivation of excellent talent.
As a four-star general and graduate of the Army Academy, Kang responded to expectations that he might slow down or retract the consolidation by stating that the military academies are assets of the Republic of Korea, not of any specific branch or group.
He emphasized, "Both our past and present, as well as our future, are all ours," and remarked that the Army, Navy, and Air Force academies have been part of the history of the Republic of Korea.
Kang added, "Regardless of how the military academies looked in the past, where they were located, or what names they had, they were all military academies of the Republic of Korea. The future military academy will also belong to no one but the Republic of Korea."
When asked how he would handle a conflict between the Commander-in-Chief and his defense philosophy, he replied, "To change, there are things that must remain unchanged, and to remain unchanged, there are things that must change. I will distinguish between the two and move in a direction that can truly bring about change."
Kang expressed his hope for a policy-centered verification during the National Assembly confirmation hearing scheduled for September 16. He stated, "There are defense policies we must pursue," and expressed a desire for the hearing to be a forum for discussing and deliberating the direction these policies should take in the future.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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