President Lee reiterates selective conscription, vows military modernization

President Lee Jae-myung visited the Yeonpyeong Unit of the Marine Corps on Tuesday, using the occasion to advocate for significant military reforms and modernization. During his visit to the frontline unit, the president addressed soldiers, acknowledging that mandatory service can feel like a "waste of time" and pledging to implement policies that minimize this sentiment.

"The time you must spend in the military could feel truly precious, or even like a loss," President Lee told the soldiers. "We will try to create many policies so that your feelings of injustice can be minimized." He further elaborated on plans to transform the military structure, emphasizing the need for advanced scientific and technological integration. This shift, he explained, will redefine the role of soldiers from traditional duties to operating sophisticated weaponry as specialized personnel and officers.

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The time you must spend in the military could feel truly precious, or even like a loss. We will try to create many policies so that your feelings of injustice can be minimized.

President Lee also revisited his commitment to a selective conscription system, aiming to reduce the number of conscripted soldiers and increase voluntary enlistment. "As promised in the past, we will minimize conscripted soldiers and change the system so that people can choose the military as their workplace through recruitment," he stated. The goal is to offer individuals the choice between becoming a long-term professional soldier with adequate compensation or opting for short-term conscription, within budget constraints.

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As promised in the past, we will minimize conscripted soldiers and change the system so that people can choose the military as their workplace through recruitment.

Furthermore, the president announced a commitment to increase national defense spending to 3.5% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This increased budget, he asserted, will be allocated towards strengthening the capabilities of military personnel and creating new opportunities for young people. "We will comprehensively reorganize the Republic of Korea Armed Forces in a future-oriented manner, enhance your capabilities, and transform it into a powerful military that can be proudly presented to the world," Lee declared.

During his visit, President Lee inspected the artillery unit, observed a firing range, and even took the opportunity to aim a K-6 heavy machine gun mounted on a K-9A1 self-propelled howitzer. He also fired 10 live rounds from a K-15 general-purpose machine gun. This visit is part of a series of events scheduled until Thursday to emphasize robust security and a strong national defense.

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We will comprehensively reorganize the Republic of Korea Armed Forces in a future-oriented manner, enhance your capabilities, and transform it into a powerful military that can be proudly presented to the world.