Defense Minister nominee Kang Shin-chul said on the 3rd regarding the integration of the Army, Navy, and Air Force academies, a policy promoted by the Lee Jae Myung government, “I am aware that there are various opinions and concerns. I believe everyone loves the military in their own way.”

Kang, a graduate of the 46th class of the Korea Military Academy (KMA), made the remarks while speaking to reporters upon arriving at the office of the confirmation hearing preparation team set up at the Defense Convention in Yongsan, Seoul, that morning. He said, “I will ensure that excellent talents are cultivated,” adding, “This is the first time I have expressed my stance on the academy integration issue, which has been criticized for being rushed, since President Lee Jae Myung nominated me as defense minister on August 30.”

Kang arrived for work wearing a dark navy necktie and a suit. In a YouTube interview video from last December and January this year, where he shared his views on current issues such as the South Korea-U.S. alliance and military leadership, he was seen wearing his KMA graduation ring. However, he did not wear the ring during his commute that day.

In response to a question about whether the academy integration policy could be withdrawn, Kang said, “The Army, Navy, and Air Force academies have been part of our nation’s history. Regardless of their past appearance, location, or name, they were our nation’s academies. The current academies are our nation’s academies. The future academies will belong to no one but our nation.”

Regarding the transfer of wartime operational control (OPCON), Kang stated, “We will push forward in a way that strengthens the South Korea-U.S. alliance. The OPCON transfer is possible because of the alliance. Without the alliance, the concept itself would not exist.” President Lee Jae Myung said last month, “The ‘recovery of OPCON within the term’ must proceed without delay according to the government’s original plan.”

When asked how he would handle a conflict between the commander-in-chief’s stance and his own defense philosophy, Kang replied, “To change, there are things that must not change, and to remain unchanged, there are things that must change. I will distinguish between the two and move forward in a way that truly embodies change.” Regarding his feelings after being nominated as minister, he said, “I feel an indescribable weight. However, I will fulfill my given mission.”