Korea Military Academy alumni criticize Lee over coup remarks
· UPIAug. 5 (Asia Today) -- The Korea Military Academy Alumni Association strongly criticized President Lee Jae-myung on Wednesday after he linked the academy to past military coups while discussing the proposed consolidation of South Korea's service academies.
"The real intention behind consolidating the service academies has now been revealed," the association said in a statement.
The government has said the proposed integration of the Army, Navy and Air Force academies is intended to strengthen joint operations, develop forces suited to future warfare and build a technologically advanced military. Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back has described the initiative as an effort to preserve each military branch's identity and expertise while improving education for future high-technology warfare.
The alumni association said Lee's remarks during a Defense Ministry policy briefing showed that those stated objectives were not the true basis of the plan.
According to the association, Lee directly connected the Korea Military Academy to past military coups, saying it remained in a dominant position even after "committing them three times" and adding, "That is why it happens again."
Lee also instructed officials to pursue the integration "quickly, forcefully and without delay," the association said.
"The remarks demonstrate that the academy reform is based more on the president's view of past history than on a policy designed to advance the country's future defense capabilities," it said.
Group rejects collective responsibility
The association said military coups were serious crimes that violated South Korea's constitutional order and could never be justified.
It argued, however, that restructuring the present-day academy because of illegal acts committed by some military figures in the past would amount to judging the institution and all of its graduates by the same standard.
"That cannot be regarded as a proper approach," the association said. "It could give the public the impression that this is political retaliation and would not contribute to national security."
The Army, Navy and Air Force academy alumni associations have previously opposed the government's consolidation plan, saying the proposal could eliminate each institution's distinct history and traditions.
The Korea Military Academy alumni group also criticized Ahn's response during the briefing.
It said the defense minister repeatedly agreed with the president rather than offering an independent assessment based on military requirements and the policy's merits.
"The role of the defense minister is not to support the president's intentions," the association said. "It is to offer responsible advice based on professional knowledge for the country's security and the development of its armed forces."
Alumni group urges objective review
The association said the Korea Military Academy has educated and commissioned generations of South Korean Army officers.
It expressed "deep regret and serious concern" over the statements made by Lee and Ahn during the government briefing.
The group called on the administration to develop defense policy through objective analysis and consideration of the country's long-term interests rather than through political reasoning or prejudice.
It also urged Lee, as commander in chief, to avoid thinking that could divide the military and to demonstrate leadership as the country's president.
Lee has previously said the South Korean military should remain committed to serving the country and its citizens and should not become entangled in or misused for political purposes.
-- Reported by Asia Today; translated by UPI
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Original Korean report: https://www.asiatoday.co.kr/kn/view.php?key=20260806010001737