Ruling party lawmaker slams defense minister, questions conscription proposal

Jang Dong-hyuk, a representative of the ruling People Power Party, sharply criticized the current administration's security policies, demanding the immediate dismissal of Defense Minister Ahn Kyu-baek. Jang stated that the minister's actions are "destroying national security" and called for an end to what he described as the government's flawed approach.

Jang's remarks were a direct response to President Lee Jae-myung's recent mention of a "selective conscription system" during a visit to a Marine unit. Jang questioned the timing of this proposal, suggesting it was a hasty move driven by a "plummeting youth approval rating." He implied that the administration is acting out of desperation rather than strategic planning.

Further fueling the criticism, a petition calling for Minister Ahn's impeachment has surpassed 150,000 signatures. The petition cites the disbandment of the Counter-Espionage Command, insufficient action regarding a reservist's death, and a general lack of accountability for national security and soldier safety as reasons for the impeachment call. Jang characterized the petition as a "public declaration of impeachment" against the administration's security policies.

The representative also pointed to North Korea's recent actions, including the construction of fences along the Military Demarcation Line and fortification efforts in border areas. He accused the Ministry of National Defense of counterproductively attempting to reduce civilian control lines and ease military regulations in border regions, suggesting South Korea is dismantling its own defenses while North Korea strengthens its posture. Jang also raised concerns about the potential weakening of the South Korea-US alliance and South Korea-US-Japan security cooperation, citing intelligence sharing issues and the pursuit of satellite information from private foreign firms.