Promotion rate for Korea Military Academy lieutenant colonels drops, Navy Academy surpasses

President Lee Jae-myung recently pointed to the disproportionate number of Korea Military Academy (KMA) graduates in high-ranking military positions, stating, "It seems that KMA is monopolizing the upper ranks." His remarks come as data reveals a sharp decline in the promotion rate for KMA graduates to the rank of lieutenant colonel.

According to data submitted to the National Assembly's Defense Committee, the promotion rate for KMA-affiliated majors to lieutenant colonel fell from 53.0% in 2022 to 40.5% in 2024, a decrease of 7.6 percentage points over two years and 12.5 percentage points over five years. This marks the only decline among the Army, Navy, and Air Force academies over the past five years. In contrast, the Naval Academy's promotion rate has risen, surpassing KMA's for the first time in five years.

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It seems that KMA is monopolizing the upper ranks.

The decline is particularly pronounced in key combat branches. For engineering majors, the promotion rate dropped by 45.7 percentage points from 68.8% in 2022 to 23.1% this year. Artillery saw a decrease of 24.2 percentage points, and infantry saw a 9.6 percentage point drop.

This trend has sparked discussion about military promotions, especially as the government plans to establish a unified military academy. Representative Han Ki-ho urged that President Lee's concerns about KMA dominance should not lead to a new form of bias, emphasizing the need for fair promotions based on ability and performance. The Army maintains that its promotion process is fair, comprehensive, and free from bias, considering factors like career, performance, and balanced evaluation committees.

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President Lee's observation about KMA dominance should not lead to another bias of 'KMA exclusion.'