New Air Force Chief Park In-ho Inaugurated... Emphasizes "Reforming Military Police and Legal Affairs"

On the afternoon of the 2nd, at the Air Force Headquarters main conference room, Park In-ho, the newly appointed 39th Chief of Staff of the Air Force, is delivering his inaugural address at the '39th Chief of Staff of the Air Force Inauguration Ceremony.'
[Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seongpil Cho] Park In-ho, the newly appointed Chief of Staff of the Air Force (age 57, Air Force Academy Class 35, General), took office on the 2nd.

The Air Force announced that on the afternoon of the same day, the 39th Chief of Staff inauguration ceremony was held at the Air Force Headquarters conference room in Gyeryongdae, presided over by Minister of National Defense Seo Wook. In his inaugural speech, General Park stated, "We are facing the greatest crisis since the founding of the Air Force," and urged, "We must deeply reflect on the absurdities and closed-mindedness that must be acknowledged for innovation and change, the outdated practices and complacency that must be cut off, and the customs and bad habits that must be denied."

General Park promised to downsize the Air Force Headquarters Secretariat and establish a dedicated department for barracks innovation directly under the Chief of Staff. He also pledged to implement structural reforms to strengthen the professionalism and independence of the Air Force Military Police and Legal Corps in connection with the ongoing military judicial system reform currently being pursued in the National Assembly. Regarding the ongoing investigation by the Ministry of National Defense Prosecutor's Office into the death of a non-commissioned officer who was a victim of sexual harassment, he said, "I pray for the repose of the late Sergeant Lee, who left us without being able to fully realize his dreams," and added, "We will actively cooperate with all ongoing investigations and inquiries and take strict measures according to the results."

The inauguration ceremony was held in a simplified manner. This is interpreted as considering the resignation of former Chief of Staff Lee Seong-yong, who took responsibility for the death of the sexual harassment victim non-commissioned officer, and the ongoing joint investigation by the Ministry of National Defense into the Air Force. Immediately after his inauguration, General Park plans to hold a one-night, two-day grand discussion with senior Air Force commanders titled 'Communication and Empathy Forum to Become a Righteous and Strong Air Force.' The agenda includes ▲ prevention of sexual violence and improvement of victim protection ▲ improvement of soldiers' living conditions (meals, clothing, facilities) ▲ protection of soldiers' human rights and improvement of organizational culture.

Minister Seo, who presided over the inauguration ceremony, said, "The military uniform is a symbol of dedication and sacrifice for the people and the nation," and admonished, "Let us strive to ensure that nothing ever again makes us ashamed of our military uniform." He continued, "Through this occasion, let us deeply remember the fundamental premise that 'my subordinates and comrades are someone's beloved family,' actively guarantee the human rights and basic rights of subordinates and comrades, and ask everyone to respect and care for one another."

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