Military veterans and patriotic citizens are set to stage a large-scale mobilization to block the government's push to consolidate the Army, Navy, and Air Force academies and relocate the Korea Military Academy (KMA) to the provinces.

The general alumni associations of the military academies, along with alumni, security organizations, reserve forces, religious leaders, parents, and civic groups, announced that they will hold the "Pan-National Rally Against the Consolidation of Military Academies and the Relocation of the KMA" at 11:00 AM on Wednesday the 8th, on the outdoor stairs in front of the main building of the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul.

The rally was organized to condemn the current administration’s attempts to consolidate the military academies and relocate the KMA, and to completely halt these initiatives.

An event representative stated, "Approximately 1,500 patriotic citizens and reservists will gather to express their strong opposition and demand the withdrawal of these unreasonable integration and relocation policies that shake the very foundation of national security."

The event will begin with preparations and rehearsals at 10:30 AM, followed by the main ceremony at 11:00 AM, featuring a national salute and introduction of attendees. The rally will officially commence with opening remarks by the President of the KMA General Alumni Association and National Assembly member Han Ki-ho.

During the condemnation session, 6 to 7 speakers representing various walks of life—including former military leaders, youth representatives, and parents—will take the stage. Former Army Chief of Staff Kim Yo-hwan is scheduled to sharply point out the problems of the consolidation from a national security perspective, followed by speeches from Yoon Kwang-seop, representative of the Daesujang, and the secretaries-general of the Navy, Air Force, and Army alumni associations, who will represent the positions of each branch.

Other participants include former Ambassador to Russia Lee Jae-chun, Professor Park Eun-sook of the Social Reformer Group (Jeonggyomo), NGO representative Lee Hee-beom, Pastor Jang Hak-il, a representative of Nowon-gu residents, youth representative Kim Se-jin representing the voices of active-duty personnel and cadets, and a representative for cadet parents, all gathering to solidify their resolve.

Following the moderator's introduction, the condemnation statement will be read promptly without individual introductions to maintain the intensity of the event.

Towards the end of the event, the President of the KMA General Alumni Association will lead the reading of a resolution and the chanting of slogans, with all attendees participating to conclude the rally. Immediately after the closing at 12:00 PM, a delegation of participants plans to visit the office of the National Assembly Speaker and the Ministry of National Defense to deliver the resolution in person.

To maintain the integrity and solemnity of the event, organizers have advised attendees to dress in neat attire, specifically requesting that those delivering speeches wear "no-tie suits." To prevent confusion on-site, raincoats and placards will be distributed collectively at the venue; carrying individual pickets or flags is strictly prohibited. For event preparation, attendees are asked to gather in front of the main building of the National Assembly by 10:30 AM on the day of the event.

Meanwhile, the rally will be broadcast live via the YouTube channels "Ian Broadcasting" and "Ko Sung-kook TV."

Reporter Lim Yo-hee