Jang Donghyuk: "Military Academy Merger Mirrors Chavez Regime Model... Will Stop Defense Abuse"

Jang: "The True Intention Behind the Military Academy Merger Is the Politicization of the Armed Forces"

Jang Donghyuk, leader of the People Power Party, argued on August 31 that the government's push to integrate military academies is "similar to the model of the Chavez regime in Venezuela, which politicized the military and used it as a tool for its own power," vowing, "We will absolutely prevent President Lee Jaemyung's regime from undermining national defense."

At the inauguration ceremony and resolution meeting of the National Solidarity to Prevent the Closure of Military Academies, held at the National Assembly Members' Office Building on the same day, Jang commented, "The government claims the integration is for future warfare readiness and to enhance jointness, but the real intention is to weaken the military's strength under the guise of making it stronger."

Jang Donghyuk, leader of the People Power Party, is shouting slogans at the inauguration ceremony and resolution meeting of the National Solidarity to Prevent the Closure of Military Academies held at the National Assembly Members' Office Building on August 31, 2026. Photo by Hyunmin Kim

He pointed out, "Among the 22 countries with over 300,000 troops, only two operate integrated military academies," adding, "In fact, the United States has launched a separate Space Force Academy to further specialize military expertise, whereas only the Lee Jaemyung administration is moving in the opposite direction."

Jang also mentioned a recent public hearing on integrating military academies, organized by the Ministry of National Defense, where a first-year Army Cadet voiced opposition to the integration. He said, "This cadet courageously refuted the Ministry of National Defense's unreasonable claim that outdated facilities necessitate integration," asking, "I wonder if those pushing for the closure of the academies do not feel any shame when they see such cadets."

Jang emphasized, "Dictatorships are ultimately completed with the silence of the people," and continued, "If the people raise their voices and fight together, we can definitely prevent the closure of the military academies." He added, "We will also focus on expanding support so that cadets at the Army, Navy, and Air Force Academies can take pride and develop into officers."

The event was attended by People Power Party lawmakers Lim Jongdeuk, Han Kiho, Joo Ho-young, Sung Il-jong, Na Kyungwon, and Yoo Yongwon, as well as former Defense Minister Han Minkoo, former Korea University President Lee Kisoo, and retired Army General Kim Parkyu.

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