The mayor of Daegu, Hong Joon-pyo, who is preparing to run for the presidential election, noted on the 9th that “modern warfare is determined not by the number of soldiers but by the quality of soldiers,” advocating for military reform. He also stated that since the country has no choice but to move towards a volunteer military system, the military point system should be revitalized, and efforts should be made towards military modernization.
Mayor Hong said on this day through his Facebook that “we need to strengthen defense capabilities by transitioning from the existing three branches of the Army, Navy, Air Force to a five-branched system by establishing the Marine Special Forces Command and the Korean Armed Forces Space Command.”
He also mentioned, “By integrating the Marine Corps and Special Forces to create a Marine Special Forces Command, we need to respond to North Korea’s special forces by establishing the Korean Armed Forces Space Command and solidifying overwhelming electronic warfare superiority to strengthen deterrence against North Korea.”
He continued, “We need to significantly expand the volunteer military system and greatly increase the number of male and female professional soldiers to reduce the burden of conscription. The military point system should also be revitalized.” He added, “It is now time to push for military reform focused on the modernization of soldiers' welfare, modernizing equipment, improving the welfare of non-commissioned officers, and enhancing military combat power.”