Kang Shin-cheol, the nominee for Defense Minister, stated on September 16 that he believes integrated education is necessary for the establishment of a unified military academy that combines the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
During a confirmation hearing at the National Assembly's Defense Committee, Kang responded to a question from Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Byeong-joo regarding the integration of military academies, saying, "This is not a new topic; discussions about reforming military academies have been ongoing for many administrations." However, he clarified that he does not intend to push forward with the current integration plan as it stands, noting, "I see areas that need improvement in the Defense Ministry's basic integration plan, and I believe it is not complete."
Addressing concerns from alumni of the Army Academy, Kang emphasized, "What is most important is to produce truly excellent talent, rather than focusing on criticism regarding the establishment of the unified military academy."
Kang also highlighted the importance of joint training for officers at the Army, Navy, and Air Force universities, stating, "Jointness is paramount, and I will consider ways to enhance our military's joint capabilities."
He shared his views on key defense issues, including the transition of wartime operational control and troop reinforcements. Kang remarked, "I believe we have made significant progress in meeting our conditions and preparing the necessary environment," adding that the process should strengthen the mutual trust in the South Korea-U.S. alliance.
Regarding the selective conscription system, he explained that it is intended to maintain the current system while making it more appealing to potential recruits. "If we create a truly attractive officer profile, I believe more individuals will choose to serve in the military through this system," he said, indicating that he would look into areas for improvement.
On the issue of potential deployment to the Strait of Hormuz, Kang stated, "I understand that no decisions have been made yet," emphasizing that the matter should be approached with a focus on national safety and interests.
Kang characterized the December 3 emergency martial law as a "clear insurrection," expressing deep responsibility as a former high-ranking officer for the military's actions that undermined constitutional order. He offered a sincere apology to the public.
In contrast, opposition lawmakers pressed Kang on military readiness and responses to North Korea. Lawmaker Han Gi-ho of the People Power Party raised concerns about North Korea's placement of landmines south of the Military Demarcation Line, insisting that it is only natural to demand restoration of the land where North Korea has laid mines.
Questions also arose regarding allegations involving Kang's family related to special housing provisions for evictees and his son's purchase of commercial property. Lawmaker Yoo Young-ha questioned whether Kang's transfer to a residence in Guro-gu, Seoul, while serving in Hwacheon, Gangwon Province, was a deceptive move to qualify for special housing provisions for evictees. He also noted the lack of submitted evidence to clarify family-related allegations and the absence of any witnesses.
Lawmaker Seong Il-jong pointed out that Kang's son borrowed 700 million won from family members to purchase a commercial property in Yangji Village, raising suspicions of prior knowledge due to the timing coinciding with the application for the redevelopment project by the residents' representative group.
Lawmaker Cheon Ha-ram of the Reform Party pressed Kang about the circumstances surrounding the special allocations received by him, his father, brother, and aunt, referring to them as "Kang Shin-cheol evictees."
Kang acknowledged that there are aspects that do not meet the public's expectations but clarified that the special housing provisions for evictees were legitimate government compensation for their relocation. He also expressed regret over the mismanagement of address records.
During a confirmation hearing at the National Assembly's Defense Committee, Kang responded to a question from Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Byeong-joo regarding the integration of military academies, saying, "This is not a new topic; discussions about reforming military academies have been ongoing for many administrations." However, he clarified that he does not intend to push forward with the current integration plan as it stands, noting, "I see areas that need improvement in the Defense Ministry's basic integration plan, and I believe it is not complete."
Addressing concerns from alumni of the Army Academy, Kang emphasized, "What is most important is to produce truly excellent talent, rather than focusing on criticism regarding the establishment of the unified military academy."
Kang also highlighted the importance of joint training for officers at the Army, Navy, and Air Force universities, stating, "Jointness is paramount, and I will consider ways to enhance our military's joint capabilities."
He shared his views on key defense issues, including the transition of wartime operational control and troop reinforcements. Kang remarked, "I believe we have made significant progress in meeting our conditions and preparing the necessary environment," adding that the process should strengthen the mutual trust in the South Korea-U.S. alliance.
Regarding the selective conscription system, he explained that it is intended to maintain the current system while making it more appealing to potential recruits. "If we create a truly attractive officer profile, I believe more individuals will choose to serve in the military through this system," he said, indicating that he would look into areas for improvement.
On the issue of potential deployment to the Strait of Hormuz, Kang stated, "I understand that no decisions have been made yet," emphasizing that the matter should be approached with a focus on national safety and interests.
Kang characterized the December 3 emergency martial law as a "clear insurrection," expressing deep responsibility as a former high-ranking officer for the military's actions that undermined constitutional order. He offered a sincere apology to the public.
In contrast, opposition lawmakers pressed Kang on military readiness and responses to North Korea. Lawmaker Han Gi-ho of the People Power Party raised concerns about North Korea's placement of landmines south of the Military Demarcation Line, insisting that it is only natural to demand restoration of the land where North Korea has laid mines.
Questions also arose regarding allegations involving Kang's family related to special housing provisions for evictees and his son's purchase of commercial property. Lawmaker Yoo Young-ha questioned whether Kang's transfer to a residence in Guro-gu, Seoul, while serving in Hwacheon, Gangwon Province, was a deceptive move to qualify for special housing provisions for evictees. He also noted the lack of submitted evidence to clarify family-related allegations and the absence of any witnesses.
Lawmaker Seong Il-jong pointed out that Kang's son borrowed 700 million won from family members to purchase a commercial property in Yangji Village, raising suspicions of prior knowledge due to the timing coinciding with the application for the redevelopment project by the residents' representative group.
Lawmaker Cheon Ha-ram of the Reform Party pressed Kang about the circumstances surrounding the special allocations received by him, his father, brother, and aunt, referring to them as "Kang Shin-cheol evictees."
Kang acknowledged that there are aspects that do not meet the public's expectations but clarified that the special housing provisions for evictees were legitimate government compensation for their relocation. He also expressed regret over the mismanagement of address records.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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