According to authorities yesterday, the South Korean Army is contemplating ways to persuade the public and emphasize the important role it plays in the present and the future, after coming to an understanding that there was little to no effort to appeal to the public in the past. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)
SEOUL, June 8 (Korea Bizwire) – In the wake of a series of scandals in recent years and a poor public image compared to the Marine Corps and the Air Force, officials from the South Korean Army hope to revamp the unit’s public image and expand its presence.
According to authorities yesterday, the South Korean Army is contemplating ways to persuade the public and emphasize the important role it plays in the present and the future, after coming to an understanding that there was little to no effort to appeal to the public in the past.
Reports that the South Korean Army is in the research process to develop its own defense system in an effort to freshen up its image come on the heels of rumors of national defense reforms by the newly elected Moon administration.
Traditionally, the South Korean Army has been subjected to the widespread stereotype of dealing with stragglers and being in charge of ‘less important’ jobs, while the Marine Corps and the Air Force take on important roles such as hitting priority targets when at war.
A series of scandals has also contributed to tainting the public perception of the South Korean Army, including one over the low monthly wages that are well below the nation’s minimum wage, and the recent revelation of alleged corruption surrounding the deployment of a THAAD missile defense system.
In response to the recent setbacks, the South Korean Army is currently in search of a research firm that can help the largest branch of the Republic of Korea Armed Forces recover its reputation and attract more attention from both the government and the public, which could see its budget secured and its public image restored.
Representatives of the South Korean Army argue, “The widespread misunderstanding over the likelihood of ground warfare is diminishing the future role of land power and the army while a great emphasis is being placed on the roles of marines and the air force.
Traditionally, the South Korean Army has been subjected to the widespread stereotype of dealing with stragglers and being in charge of ‘less important’ jobs, while the Marine Corps and the Air Force take on important roles such as hitting priority targets when at war. (Image: Yonhap)
“The preconceived notion that high-end technology will completely replace battles between men in future wars and that conventional ground warfare won’t break out could leave us unprepared.”
Officials also warned that to fend off threats from powerful neighboring nations, the importance of the Army will increase going forward.
Ashley Song (ashley@koreabizwire.com)
