Seoul seeks better public input after disrupted hearing on military academy plan
The defense ministry said Thursday it will consider more effective ways to gather public input on its plan to merge three military academies, after the first hearing on the proposal ended in a complete shambles. The ministry-hosted hearing descended into bedlam on Wednesday as angry alumni and cadets opposing the plan engaged in shouting matches to vent their objections, booing and hurling…
The defense ministry announced on Thursday its intention to explore improved methods for soliciting public feedback on its proposal to merge three military academies, following an unproductive hearing the previous day. Held under the ministry's auspices, the hearing turned into a chaotic scene on Wednesday when passionate alumni and cadets opposing the merger program engaged in heated confrontations, with protesters shouting and berating a senior ministry official who arrived to present the consolidation plan.
The disruption marred what should have been the inaugural public forum since the government introduced its foundational strategy last month to consolidate the Army, Navy, and Air Force academies—a cornerstone initiative of President Lee Jae Myung's administration. However, the move has encountered strong resistance from alumni groups and other detractors who view the plan as a politically driven effort to discredit the military, particularly the Army, due to its historical involvement in two military coups and the brief imposition of martial law under former President Yoon Suk Yeol in December 2024. "We are considering better ways for the public to voice their concerns," stated the ministry.
Written by urgent.news from The Korea Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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