[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] Defense Minister Lee Jong-seop expressed regret over distorted reports claiming that the budget for soldiers' underwear and soldiers' living quarters was diverted to the presidential office relocation. Despite the Ministry of National Defense clearly explaining the facts in advance, the distorted media coverage negatively affected soldiers' morale.
On the 4th, during the National Assembly audit held at the Yongsan Ministry of National Defense building, when Seong Il-jong, a member of the People Power Party, pointed out the insufficient explanation regarding the diversion of defense budget, Minister Lee said, "I deeply regret the distorted reports that the budget for soldiers' underwear and soldiers' living quarters was diverted to the presidential office relocation."
Regarding opposition lawmakers' estimates that the cost of relocating the presidential office amounts to 1 trillion won, Minister Lee said, "There are many parts I do not agree with." In response to a question from Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, claiming the relocation cost reaches 1 trillion won, Minister Lee rebutted, "The figure of 1 trillion won is not accurate." He added, "(The evaluation of the presidential office relocation) is not measured in terms of money." Minister Lee also added, "The Ministry of National Defense prioritizes policies for soldiers' morale and welfare above all else."
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