[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] A general officer personnel reshuffle in the military is expected to take place as early as the 3rd. It is anticipated to be the first large-scale personnel reshuffle since Defense Minister Seo Wook took office, with a significant number of non-Korea Military Academy graduates being appointed.
A military official stated, "The candidates for the rank of lieutenant general have been reported to the Blue House, and once the final decision is made, the personnel reshuffle is expected to be carried out as early as this afternoon."
This reshuffle is drawing major attention, especially regarding corps commanders and division commanders, known as the 'flower of commanders.' There is speculation within and outside the military that non-Korea Military Academy graduates will make remarkable advances. Since the Moon Jae-in administration has continued to implement unconventional personnel appointments that disregard background and seniority, it is highly likely that this will be reflected in the current general officer reshuffle as well.
In particular, since General Nam Young-shin (ROTC 23rd class), the first-ever Army Chief of Staff from the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC), holds the Army's personnel authority, there is a high possibility that general officers from non-Korea Military Academy backgrounds will be assigned to key positions. Currently, among the six corps, three corps commanders are lieutenant generals from non-Korea Military Academy backgrounds. Some speculate that non-Korea Military Academy graduates could occupy three or more positions such as field army commanders or corps commanders.
If younger generals who break the traditional seniority system are appointed in this reshuffle, candidates would include Korea Military Academy classes 44-45, ROTC 27th class, Korea Army Academy at Yeongcheon (3rd Military Academy) classes 23-24, and Korea National Defense University (Bachelor's degree) 11th class. This is why Major General So Young-min (Bachelor's 11th class), commander of the 31st Division, and Major General Shin Hee-hyun (ROTC 27th class), commander of the 36th Division, are being highlighted.
The Navy is similar. Among about 40 naval generals, five are from non-Korea Naval Academy backgrounds, and some of them are likely to be selected. However, since the Air Force has few officers from non-Korea Air Force Academy backgrounds, it is evaluated that promotion of Air Force Academy graduates is inevitable.
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