Someone got the hint

It seems that the recent shooting may have led to some actual thinking. The Korean Times has an article that seems to be a rarity in Korea. They are actually talking about "planning ahead" and looking out for the future". Wow, with this type of logic, this little penisula could do even more amazing things.

Rep. Kim Myung-ja of the ruling Uri Party stressed the need to reform the
military culture to correspond with changing social trends, and to help young
soldiers develop themselves during their two years’ service, as well as to
promote the human rights of service members.

``South Korea is changing rapidly and dramatically in every sector of society. But the military has failed to keep pace with social changes, and instead is retaining its `old and rigid’ culture,’’ Kim said in an interview with The Korea Times.

``The new generation is quite different from the older generation. They place emphasis on individual freedom and human rights. They want to be respected by others and are often against authority,’’ she continued.

``It never works and it is wrong to ask them for `unconditional obedience and sacrifice’ as in the old military culture. Otherwise, deadly shooting
incidents could occur again and again.’’

That part worries me. Especially from someone who has presumably never served in the military (Kim Myung-ja) .

The government and the ruling party earlier this week agreed on a set of reforms focusing on building an information and technology infrastructure in the nation’s military camps to provide soldiers with online education programs.

Under the proposed ``e-Learning Portal System,’’ soldiers staying out of colleges due to military service are able to take regular courses for up to nine credits per year, said Kim, who is a member of the National Defense Committee of the National Assembly.

Kim emphasized the need to set up a ``culture of learning’’ in the military to help soldiers keep on developing their abilities as part of an efforts to secure quality manpower for defense.


Well, I am glad that they are finally taking a look at an antiquated system. Too many young lives are wasted within the military here. Instead of "just putting in 2 years", the young could possibly be learning job/survival skills and be a few steps ahead of where they were when they got in.

Heck, why not go all the way and make mandatory service for females as well! Honestly, if this country needs people to do a 2 year stint, then I think it should be equal, contructive and positive.