Veterans Criticize Defense Minister

Yoon Kwang-ung, the minister of national defense, visited the Korea Retired Generals and Admirals Association to convey New Year’s greetings, and was criticized by army veterans afterwards.

According to the association, Minister Yoon and Lee Sang-hee, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, visited on January 12 and thanked them for their advice on national defense policies.

However, army veterans started criticizing the security and unification policies that the current administration is pursuing, and the meeting turned sour. The army veterans were especially harsh about alternative service for conscientious objectors to mandatory army service and the controversy over the National Security Law.

“The Ministry of National Defense made a pointless comment when the National Human Rights Committee made its recommendations for an alternative way of serving the country for conscientious objectors,” one army veteran said reproachingly. “Why did the minister say that things like, ‘I respect the committee’s recommendations,’ and ‘We will look into related measures?’”

Many army veterans said regarding the National Security Law, “The National Security Law is the most important legal safeguard to defend Korea and the free democratic system.” They strongly called for the defense ministry to announce a firm position on the matter.

At the time, Minister Yoon responded, “Complete abolishment of the National Security Law will be difficult. I will organize your opinions and relay them to the administration.”

Sang-Ho Yun ysh1005@donga.com