Park Yong-jin: "Military Poor Meals Due to 'Cheap' Conscription System"

[Asia Economy Reporter Koo Chae-eun] Park Yong-jin, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea who declared his candidacy for the presidential election, stated on the 23rd regarding the controversy over substandard meals for military personnel, "All these problems stem from the current conscription system that forcibly drafts our youth at a low cost," and advocated for a volunteer military system.

Park said on Facebook, "We must not treat young soldiers who dedicate their youth to the country so carelessly. For national security, the current military service system must be improved, and a future-oriented change in thinking is necessary."

He added, "I want to make this presidential election a process to achieve social consensus on the policy I proposed: 'a volunteer military for an elite armed force, and a strong reserve force system with gender-equal service.' From the Democratic Party's preliminary primary process, there should be intense debates among candidates on military service policies," emphasizing the point.

He continued, "The solution to the controversy over South Korea's substandard military cannot be an absurd method like blocking internal whistleblowing or outsourcing meal responsibilities to external companies turning it into a money-making business. Fundamentally, we must change our military service system. Although it is difficult, I will take the lead. As always, I will not avoid controversy even if it causes political losses," he added.

Meanwhile, regarding the 12th anniversary of former President Roh Moo-hyun's death, Park said, "I pledge to continue the earnestness of President Roh Moo-hyun for the future of South Korea and the fierce spirit of politician Roh Moo-hyun who spoke and acted even at a loss."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.