Defense Minister Ahn Kyu-baek denies promising to maintain current military academy system

Defense Minister Ahn Kyu-baek has firmly reiterated his commitment to integrating military academies, directly contradicting assertions made by the joint alumni associations of the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The associations claimed that Ahn had promised to maintain the current academy system during a meeting on July 12, and subsequently changed his position, leading to a dispute over his statements.

Speaking to reporters on his first day at the newly relocated Ministry of National Defense building in Yongsan, Seoul, Ahn stated, "Could I possibly say that I would integrate the military academies while maintaining the current system? Fundamentally, I believe it is difficult."

His remarks came as the Ministry of National Defense returned to its former building after approximately four years, following the relocation of the presidential office to Yongsan under the previous administration. Ahn described the return as a moment of mixed emotions, emphasizing that the remaining task is for the defense community to unite and accelerate defense reforms.

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Could I possibly say that I would integrate the military academies while maintaining the current system? Fundamentally, I believe it is difficult.

Reflecting on the ministry's four-year absence from the building, Ahn expressed deep regret over the "waste of public funds in places where they should not have been wasted." He stressed the importance of ensuring that taxpayer money is used efficiently and effectively moving forward.

The integration of military academies has been a point of contention, with alumni groups advocating for the preservation of their respective institutions' traditions and structures. Minister Ahn's clear restatement of the integration policy signals the government's continued push for reforms within the military education system.

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I feel that public funds were wasted in places where they should not have been wasted.