Alumni Association Claims Defense Minister Reversed Stance

The combined alumni associations of the Army, Navy, and Air Force academies demanded an explanation and an apology from Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back, claiming he reversed his stance during a joint meeting on the academies, and urged for a public meeting with President Lee Jae-myung. The associations claimed that during the meeting the previous day, Minister Ahn stated in a 'Q&A' format that he would consider maintaining the current system and reforming education measures.

The Ministry of National Defense refuted this through Deputy Spokesman Lee Kyung-ho during a briefing, stating that a review to maintain the current system is not true and that the Minister had simply understood the opinions of the alumni association. The association characterized the Ministry's attitude as the Minister mocking the association's leadership, stating that if there is no satisfactory explanation or apology, they will boycott the public hearing on the founding of the Korea Military Academy scheduled for the 26th.

Triggered by this controversy, the alumni association has decided that the Defense Minister lacks actual authority regarding the merger and restructuring of the military academies and has initiated procedures to publicly request a meeting with President Lee Jae-myung.