"Can't Shoot a Gun Without Testicles"
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suwan] Former Dongyang University professor Jin Joong-kwon criticized the Ministry of National Defense's decision on the 22nd to discharge Army Sergeant Byeon Hee-soo, who underwent gender reassignment surgery from male to female during military service, saying, "Is the purpose of the Military Criminal Act merely to mean 'testicles are essential for national defense'?"
On the same day, Jin posted on his Facebook, saying, "If you don't have testicles, does that mean you can't shoot a gun or fire a cannon?"
He continued, "Even without testicles, people have graduated top of their class at the military academy, served as infantry platoon leaders, Marine instructors, fighter squadron leaders, and combat helicopter Top Guns without any problems."
Jin strongly criticized, saying, "It would be enough just to acknowledge that the sexual identity has changed," and added, "I just realized for the first time how such a big deal it is to have dangling testicles."
He also said, "What Sergeant Byeon underwent was not bodily mutilation but gender reassignment surgery," and added, "No one says that a person who has had gender reassignment surgery has a mutilated body. What kind of absurd testicle-centrism is this?"
He emphasized, "Where is the security threat from gays, transgender people, or heterosexuals?" and "National defense is something that all Koreans must participate in together."
Finally, Jin added, "The problem is those who try to avoid military service using their father's influence, so why stop those who want to serve patriotically on the front lines?"
Earlier on the same day, Jin also wrote in another post, "Allow the patriotism of transgender people," stating, "Whether heterosexual, homosexual, asexual, or transgender, regardless of their sexual orientation or sexual identity, their loyalty as members of the national community to the country should be encouraged and never prohibited."
After undergoing gender reassignment surgery, Sergeant Byeon Hee-soo, who was forcibly discharged, is seen saluting with tears after expressing her stance on the military's forced discharge measures at a press conference held at the Military Human Rights Center in Mapo-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 22nd. Photo by Yonhap News
The Army held a discharge review board for Sergeant Byeon on the same day and decided on discharge. The Army explained, "According to the standards under the Military Personnel Act and related laws, this falls under reasons that prevent continued service."
At a press conference held that day, Sergeant Byeon said, "Since childhood, my dream was to become a soldier who protects this country and its people," and added, "If I am allowed to continue serving, I will be the only female soldier who has lived and endured hardships alongside the warriors, sharing their lives and experiences."
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