"53.7% of Women Support Women's Military Service"
"Mandatory Military Training for Women Is 'Very Premature'"
[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Ju-hyung] Kwon In-sook, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea and former president of the Korean Women's Development Institute, evaluated the 'transition to an all-volunteer military system' proposed by fellow party member Park Yong-jin as "a good factor in spreading a culture of gender equality." However, she pointed out that the so-called 'gender-equal military service system,' which advocates mandatory military training for women, is "very premature."
In an interview with MBC Radio's 'Pyo Chang-won's News High Kick' on the 19th, Rep. Kwon explained, "The conscription system is linked to social duties and rights. From that perspective, the male-centered conscription system has been a significant basis for gender discrimination throughout women's lives, especially in jobs and workplace culture." She added, "Women have felt a strong sense of problem regarding the continued maintenance of male conscription."
She continued, "If it changes to an all-volunteer system, female participation will increase significantly," emphasizing, "As more women join the military, it will transform into a female-friendly organization, which is a very good factor in broadly expanding a culture of gender equality in society."
She added, "Considering these aspects, I am in favor of the all-volunteer system and want to expedite its introduction."
Regarding women's military service, she stated, "When the Korean Women's Development Institute conducted a survey on military service discussions in 2019, about 53.7% of women agreed that women should serve in the military," adding, "Women in their 20s and 30s also support it at around 54-55%. I think it is a stage where discussions can begin."
However, on mandatory military training for women, she said, "It is very premature," pointing out, "Since it imposes obligations on people who were not previously required to serve, we must first listen to the voices of those directly involved."
She added, "This is an issue closely related to everyone's life, and it is premature to simply throw it out and ask whether one supports or opposes it."
Meanwhile, Park Yong-jin, who has expressed his intention to run in the 2022 presidential election, published 'Park Yong-jin's Political Revolution' on the same day. In this book, Park reportedly detailed the plan to abolish conscription and introduce a mixed military service system called the 'gender-equal military service system,' which mandates basic military training for all citizens.
Regarding this, Park wrote on his Facebook page on the 18th, "This is a proposal made with the expectation of controversy, and I am disclosing the specific proposal details," adding, "I propose the introduction of a gender-equal military service system where the military is maintained mainly by volunteers, and all citizens, regardless of gender, are required to undergo about 40 to 100 days of basic military training."
He emphasized, "Based on the all-volunteer system and the gender-equal military service system, we will promote the cultivation of an elite strong military centered on cutting-edge weapon systems and the combat readiness of reservists."
On the 19th, Park also emphasized the gender-equal military service system during an appearance on CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show.'
When asked by the host whether discussions on female conscription could fuel gender conflicts, Park responded, "It would be irresponsible not to propose the gender-equal military service system out of fear of controversy," adding, "We will actively consider how to apply and introduce our national defense duties."
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