The Ministry of National Defense has decided to conduct a comprehensive review of its plans to strengthen the evaluation of soldier promotions.
On the 25th, the Ministry of National Defense noted, "Considering the public petition regarding the soldier promotion system and demands from the National Assembly, we have decided to temporarily suspend the implementation of the system and conduct a comprehensive review of the implementation plan."
Previously, the revision of the soldier personnel management directive prepared by the Ministry of National Defense last month stipulated that soldiers who were omitted from promotion reviews would be promoted to the rank of corporal on the 1st of the month they are discharged and to the rank of sergeant on the day of discharge.
As a result, there could be a situation where soldiers in the army only serve as privates for 15 months until the month prior to their discharge, following two months as a private.
As this fact became known, opposing opinions were raised. Similar concerns were also expressed at the National Assembly National Defense Committee meeting attended by Minister Kim Sun-ho, who is acting as the Minister of National Defense, on that day. National Defense Committee commissioners requested reconsideration, stating that concerns from soldiers' parents are significant.
The Ministry of National Defense stated, "We will take sufficient time to collect various opinions from all sectors and review optimal measures that can induce sincere service and enhance the military's combat capabilities."