Lee orders ‘swift’ merger of military academies to prevent another coup

President Lee Jae Myung on Wednesday directed the Defense Ministry to expedite plans to merge South Korea’s three military academies, framing the move as essential to preventing future military interventions in politics. Speaking during a joint policy briefing at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul, Lee cited historical precedents, noting that three coups in South Korean history were linked to the Army and graduates of the Korea Military Academy. He emphasized that the academy had never faced accountability for these incidents and warned that similar scenarios could occur again. Lee called for swift action, urging Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back to push forward with the merger “decisively.” The president stressed that reducing the risk of military interference required eliminating institutional conditions that enabled such actions. “It is not necessarily that the people involved are bad,” Lee said. “Given an opportunity and an incentive, people can give in. We need a rational training system that makes such acts impossible.” Ahn acknowledged the challenges of the reform, stating that the government was undergoing an “extremely difficult process.” In response, Lee asserted that difficulty was inherent to any meaningful reform. “What reform in the world is not difficult? It is bound to be extremely difficult,” he remarked. The government had previously unveiled a blueprint for a unified National Armed Forces Academy on July 16. Ahn outlined how the new institution would enhance joint operations and professional training while fostering officers with advanced scientific and technological skills. However, the merger proposal remains under review, with Ahn pledging to seek public understanding until “people say no further explanation is needed.” In addition to addressing domestic military restructuring, Lee also raised concerns regarding the return of U.S. military base sites in South Korea. During the briefing, he criticized the slow pace of negotiations with Washington, pointing out that despite substantial investments in facilities like Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek, built at a cost exceeding 10 trillion won ($7 billion), many sites had not yet been returned. Lee noted that even after some bases were vacated, follow-up measures had not been completed, rendering them effectively unusable. “This is not just one or two sites,” Lee said, highlighting the broader implications of delayed returns. He expressed frustration over the prolonged negotiations, emphasizing that the issue extended beyond mere bureaucratic delays. Ahn confirmed that most of the 82 U.S. military installations designated for return had already been handed back, but key locations remained unresolved. The discussion underscored the administration’s dual focus on internal military reform and international diplomatic efforts. By linking the merger of military academies to the prevention of political interference, Lee reinforced his commitment to institutional change. At the same time, his emphasis on expediting the return of U.S. base sites reflected ongoing tensions over sovereignty and resource allocation. As the government moves forward with its plans, the success of both initiatives will depend on navigating complex political and logistical landscapes. The merger of the academies represents a significant shift in South Korea’s approach to military education and governance, while the resolution of U.S.-Korea base issues continues to shape bilateral relations. Both developments remain critical to the country’s long-term strategic goals.