Jang Meets Defense Minister: "Firmly Protect National Security and Defense... Sometimes Must Stand Up to the President"

Requests Regarding the DMZ Incident and the Consolidation of Military Academies

Jang Donghyuk, leader of the People Power Party, met with Minister of National Defense Kang Shincheol on the 28th and said, "As a soldier of the Republic of Korea, please firmly safeguard South Korea's defense and security."

Jang made these remarks during a meeting with Minister Kang at the National Assembly on this day, which was arranged as a courtesy call following Kang's inauguration.

Jang Donghyuk, leader of the People Power Party, is meeting with Kang Shincheol, the newly appointed Minister of National Defense, at the National Assembly on September 28, 2026. Photo by Dongju Yoon

Jang stated, "I do not believe that President Lee Jaemyung can take sole responsibility for South Korea's security." He emphasized, "The only person the Korean people can place their last hopes in is the Minister of National Defense."

He continued, "Even if there are times when you must confront the President, and even if such confrontation means you may no longer remain in your current position, the time has come when you must answer to the people of the Republic of Korea who have supported you as minister."

Jang requested, "If, during wartime, my beloved comrade had fallen victim to an enemy-planted landmine, consider with what heart I would fight. I ask you to handle the recent explosion accident in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) with such spirit."

He added, "Go back to the mindset you had when you first entered the Korea Military Academy. Even now, as your juniors watch you, I hope you manage the issue of merging the three military academies wisely, reflecting on the sentiments of your fellow cadets, and handle this matter accordingly."

In response, Minister Kang said, "As you mentioned, I will carry out my duties as minister without losing sight of my original intention."

Minister Kang added, "What I can clearly assure the Korean people is that, as the Minister of National Defense, together with our government, we will create a victorious Korean military that is merciless to our enemies and beloved by our citizens. Please trust, believe in, and support our military."

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