Kang Shin-chul: "Military Academy Reform as Minister of National Defense"

Written Answers Submitted to the National Assembly

"Integration of Military Academies Is Necessary"

Yonhap News Agency

Kang Shin-chul, the nominee for Minister of National Defense, stated, "Not as an alumni of the Korea Military Academy, but as the Republic of Korea's Minister of National Defense, I will pursue reforms in the education system to cultivate defense leaders capable of driving victory on the future battlefield."

In written answers submitted to the National Assembly on September 14, two days ahead of his confirmation hearing, Kang responded to the question, "Isn't it a conflict of interest for a Korea Military Academy graduate to push for reforms in the military academies?" by saying the above. Kang himself is also a graduate of the Korea Military Academy (Class of 46) and is therefore not entirely unaffected by the issue of consolidating the academies. However, his remarks indicate an intention to consistently advance the existing policy of integrating the military academies as the Minister of National Defense representing the entire military.

Kang stated, "There is a need to integrate the military academies. There are certainly elements of education that embody values all cadets must share," and added, "If appointed as minister, I will listen to the voices of various stakeholders, including cadets, applicants, and parents, during the process of designing specific measures." However, he distanced himself from President Lee Jaemyung's remarks at last month's Ministry of National Defense briefing, in which the president referred to the "responsibility of the Korea Military Academy for organizing coups" in the context of academy integration.

When asked whether he believes the Korea Military Academy is responsible for past coups, Kang answered, "It was a problem involving certain individuals who participated in the coups, not the entire institution." When questioned whether the existence of the Korea Military Academy could pose a risk of future coups, he replied, "Military academies are institutions that nurture outstanding leaders for the military."

Previously, President Lee had noted that officers from the Korea Military Academy staged coups yet had never taken responsibility, and suggested that future coups could also occur, thereby raising the necessity of academy integration. Regarding concerns that appointing a retired general as Minister of National Defense could weaken the principle of civilian control, Kang stated, "The essence of civilian control is not about whether the minister is from the military, but rather about ensuring that democratic oversight operates effectively in accordance with the Constitution and the law."

Regarding the "12·3 Martial Law" incident under the Yoon Suk Yeol administration, Kang assessed it as "an unmistakable act of insurrection that undermined constitutional order." He pointed to the Korean three-axis system (including missiles), surveillance and reconnaissance assets such as satellites, as well as AI-based manned and unmanned integrated combat systems (including drones, counter-drone, and robotic forces) as critical capabilities that the South Korean military must urgently expand in response to recent North Korean nuclear and missile threats and the changing character of warfare.

Concerning operations by the North Korean military near the Military Demarcation Line (MDL), Kang commented, "North Korea's so-called 'border fortification' measures violate inter-Korean agreements and destroy the armistice framework on the Korean Peninsula," and added, "Such actions could increase the likelihood of accidental clashes near the MDL, so thorough preparedness is required." He further stated, "If I am appointed minister, I will strengthen intelligence surveillance systems regarding North Korea's activities near the MDL and develop fundamental countermeasures at the policy, strategic, and operational levels."

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