Jang Dong-hyuk, leader of the People Power Party, visited the Naval Academy in Jinhae, South Gyeongsang Province, on September 11, continuing his opposition to the government's plan to merge the Army, Navy, and Air Force academies. This visit follows his trip to the Air Force Academy on September 7.
During a local meeting against the proposed closure of the Naval Academy, Jang criticized the government, stating, "The government is trying to close the Naval Academy without any justification and merge the three military academies into one. This merger attempt undermines the foundation of our military and is a move toward a collapse of national defense."
He further commented on the government's defense policy, saying, "The issue of merging the military academies seems to be something that even elementary school students could understand. Otherwise, it appears that our defense policy is being dictated by North Korea."
Jang also expressed concerns about Defense Minister nominee Kang Shin-cheol, asserting, "Kang's position on the merger ultimately indicates a willingness to proceed with it. The public will not accept a defense minister nominee who lacks conviction in addressing the merger of military academies."
He reiterated, "The merger of military academies lacks both justification and practicality. The People Power Party will work with the public to ensure that this hasty and unilateral merger does not happen."
The party's efforts to block the merger are expected to extend to the National Assembly, with the issue likely to be a key topic during Kang's confirmation hearing scheduled for September 15. Jang had previously stated on September 7, "We will thoroughly examine the problems associated with the merger during the upcoming regular session of the National Assembly."
The proposed merger of military academies is part of President Yoon Suk-yeol's campaign promise and a national agenda. The Ministry of National Defense announced a basic plan on July 16 to establish a four-year 'National Military Academy' in Daejeon, merging the Army, Navy, and Air Force academies.
Following a public hearing held on August 26 to gather opinions, the Ministry plans to prepare detailed plans by October.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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