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| ▲ President Lee Jae Myung attends a meeting with young scientists at the presidential office Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on Feb. 5, 2026. (Pool photo) (Yonhap) |
Lee-young scientists
Lee meets with young scientists, discusses expansion of alternative military service
SEOUL, Feb. 5 (Yonhap) -- President Lee Jae Myung held a meeting with young researchers and science students Thursday and discussed ways to expand alternative military service options as part of a broader reform to the military system.
During the meeting held at Cheong Wa Dae, Lee said his administration was reviewing an overhaul of the military, including measures to substitute mandatory military service for other forms of service.
"As young men are obliged to serve in the military, they unavoidably face career breaks for a considerable period, which can become a source of conflict and lead to a sense of frustration," he said.
Responding to a student's suggestion that young men should be given more research opportunities during their service, Lee said the administration was reviewing such measures.
"On top of that, I plan to carry out major changes in the military," Lee added, stressing he will seek to provide opportunities for young men to acquire expertise in cutting-edge technology and weapons systems during their service rather than wasting it away.
He also floated the idea of establishing research units within the military instead of placing young researchers in alternative military service.
The meeting was attended by around 200 undergraduate and graduate students that received national scholarships, as well as 35 middle and high school students who have won Olympiad awards.
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