[Anchor]

The first public hearing was held regarding the government's plan to integrate the Army, Navy, and Air Force academies and establish a unified Korea National Defense Academy in Daejeon. The event was marred by shouting and profanity.

Reporter Choi Jae-yeong has the details.

[Reporter]

The public hearing was filled with shouting from the very beginning.

An attendee opposed to the academy integration caused a commotion, shouting, "There is no need to listen to the Ministry of National Defense's explanation," which nearly led to a physical altercation.

[Take this video (the explanatory material) down. We already know all of this.]

The president of the Korea Military Academy Alumni Association took to the podium and unleashed harsh criticism against the government.

[Park Pan-jun / President of the Korea Military Academy Alumni Association: (Closing down the military academies) is being handled like a bunch of thugs. I guarantee you that this plan cannot and will not proceed to the end.]

Jeering and swearing continued even while the Ministry of National Defense's Policy Chief was explaining the academy integration policy.

[Get it right, damn it. Wake up. (Don't use profanity.)]

During the subsequent debate, supporters of the integration emphasized the strengthening of joint operations among the Army, Navy, and Air Force, preparation for future warfare, and the enhancement of the academies' competitiveness.

[Choi Young-jin / Professor at Chung-Ang University: (The cadets') satisfaction is low and the educational reality is poor, yet costs are high. Our cadets have the right to receive a better education.]

On the other hand, opponents pointed out the weakening of the military's identity and expertise, as well as the push for integration driven by political motives.

[Kim Se-jin / Secretary-General of Future Thoughts: Forcing through the consolidation and abolition of the military academies without minimal verification, while ignoring the voices of cadets and active-duty officers, is not reform.]

In front of the public hearing venue, an estimated 600 people—including reserve officers who are academy graduates, parents, and local residents from the areas where the academies are located—gathered to hold a rally opposing the integration.

Minister of National Defense Ahn Gyu-back, who had previously stated that he would "talk and communicate" regarding the integration of the military academies, did not attend the first public hearing.

(Design: Choi Jae-yeong)