Seoul Defense Minister Kang Shin-chul announced that the government might reconsider the location of a proposed integrated military academy, marking a potential shift from its initial plan to establish the academy in Daejeon.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Kang's remarks were made during a meeting with leaders of alumni associations from the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The defense ministry's proposal to integrate their academies has met resistance from graduates and reserve forces. The original plan, disclosed in July, involves creating a single military academy at Jaundae, a military training and education compound in Daejeon, approximately 140 kilometers south of Seoul.

Kang emphasized that the government does not intend to abolish individual military academies and that branch-specific education is essential. He also expressed openness to considering more opinions regarding the location of the proposed academy. Since taking office in September, the defense chief has suggested revising the plan to establish the tentatively named "National Military Academy" at Jaundae for a comprehensive four-year program.

The defense ministry is reportedly evaluating the possibility of maintaining some facilities for the Navy and Air Force academies, allowing cadets to receive training specific to their branches. However, it remains uncertain if the Korea Military Academy for the Army, currently in northern Seoul, will be relocated.

Park Pan-joon, president of the Korea Military Academy Alumni Association, has voiced strong opposition to the integration plan, threatening legal action if the plan is scrapped in the future. Park criticized the ministry's intent to move the academy out of Taereung, located in Seoul's Nowon district, and mentioned preparations for legal and administrative action should the integration plan be nullified.

The government had initially aimed to finalize a detailed roadmap for the integration by last month, but the announcement has been delayed due to strong opposition from graduates and alumni groups who argue that the integration could weaken the distinct capabilities of each military branch.