Defense ministry reaffirms commitment to swift integration of military academies

President Lee Jae Myung has supported the integration, stating that the Army academy has been historically linked to military coups and has not been held accountable. He emphasized that integrating the academies would reduce the risk of future coups. The ministry unveiled plans last month to establish the National Military Academy at Jaundae, a military training and education facility complex located in Daejeon, approximately 140 kilometers south of Seoul. This initiative is also part of President Lee's election campaign pledges.

A ministry official explained that the establishment of the National Military Academy is intended to enhance preparedness for future warfare, improve the efficiency of military education, and strengthen joint interoperability. However, the official declined to comment on a statement released by 46 former chiefs of staff who strongly urged the defense ministry to reconsider the integration plan.

The ministry plans to hold a public hearing later this month and aims to disclose a detailed plan for the new academy around October.