"Has the Korea Military Academy Ever Been Held Accountable for Military Coups?" President Lee Orders Speed in Establishing Unified Armed Forces Academy

President Lee Receives Briefing from Defense Ministry
"Structural Barriers Needed Against Coups"
"Three Coups Orchestrated by Academy Graduates... Never Held Accountable"
Defense Ministry to Hold Public Hearing in August, Pursue Legislation

President Lee Jae-myung has instructed officials to pursue the swift and robust establishment of the "Korea Armed Forces Academy," which would integrate the Army, Navy, and Air Force academies. He pointed out that, in the past, although graduates of the Korea Military Academy were at the center of military coups, there was neither accountability sought nor any change made to the Army-centric military command structure.

President Lee Jae-myung is speaking during a government agency briefing held at the Blue House State Guesthouse, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Unification, Ministry of National Defense, and Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs. August 5, 2026. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

During a government briefing held at the Blue House State Guesthouse on August 5, President Lee received a report from the Ministry of National Defense on plans to establish the Korea Armed Forces Academy. He stated, "There have been three military coups in the Republic of Korea—all led by the Army, and carried out by graduates of the Korea Military Academy. Despite the Korea Military Academy being at the heart of three coups, responsibility has never been pursued." He further said, "Korea has undergone democratization and emerged as a developed country recognized globally. Who would have thought that Army generals could still plot an inside coup?" Emphasizing the need for systemic changes, he added, "We must ensure structurally that such events can never occur again in the future."

President Lee went on to inquire about the proportion of Korea Military Academy graduates among military generals, noting, "At the junior officer level, there are not many Korea Military Academy graduates, but their dominance increases as one rises up the ranks." He criticized this structure, saying, "In other countries, I understand that there is a much higher share of generals who are graduates of university officer training or ROTC programs."

President Lee also pointed out that this closed, Korea Military Academy-centric personnel structure increases the risk of political interference by the military. He stated, "Even after committing the act of destroying constitutional order through military coups two or three times, Korea Military Academy graduates still hold overwhelming influence, making repeat offenses possible. Had another coup succeeded, you would have seen Army captains sitting in community centers monitoring civilians, and soldiers stationed at news agencies to censor articles," he said emphatically.

In addition, President Lee stressed that the integration of the military academies is also necessary to improve jointness in line with the demands of modern warfare. Going forward, the Ministry of National Defense plans to use the establishment of the Korea Armed Forces Academy to break down barriers between the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps branches, foster greater jointness and expertise, and create a cutting-edge science and technology academy that will educate officers in future warfare capabilities such as AI, drones, and manned-unmanned teaming. Within this month, the government will hold public hearings to gather citizens' feedback, announce detailed plans, and push for legislation to establish the Korea Armed Forces Academy within the year.

Yonhap News Agency

Meanwhile, President Lee emphasized the importance of providing thorough explanations and gaining public support throughout the integration process. He stated, "While most military personnel serve the nation loyally and fulfill their calling as soldiers, there are times when a minority band together to commit unforgivable acts. It is not because people are inherently bad, but because opportunities and incentives can lead them astray. Therefore, a rational education system is needed to eliminate such risks," he said. President Lee instructed, "Seek understanding and persuasion from the public until they themselves no longer require further explanation," but also stressed, "However, if you spend too much time talking without action, progress will be slow. Move forward swiftly and decisively."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.