By Park Si-soo
Staff Reporter
During the 1970s and '80s, graduates of the Korea Military Academy (KMA) were suspected by the public as being vocal advocates of dictatorship and a despotic government. However, the military school is now strongly believed to be a center for nurturing outstanding military officers, essential to strong national security.
Oh Myung, president of Konkuk University, is one of the proud KMA graduates. Oh has served as head of the KMA alumni association since July.
``Members of the KMA sacrificed themselves in the past to defend their country. It is now working not only to keep peace on the Korean Peninsula but also to maintain a peaceful atmosphere in war-torn areas around the globe,'' Oh said. ``This is one of the most brilliant feats that its members have achieved over the last six decades.''
He entered the Korea Military Academy in 1958 when the Korea was still suffering from the aftermath of the Korean War (1950~1953).
``At that time, KMA was better compared with Seoul National University in its education program and overall facilities because the academy adopted the U.S.-style education system,'' he said. ``I was weak physically and mentally then, but KMA changed me completely. Through the curriculum, I was able to arm myself with a strong body, mind and leadership skills.''
After graduating in 1962, he went on to study electronic engineering at Seoul National University. Oh also earned a doctorate degree in engineering at the State University of New York in 1972.
Oh speaks highly of KMA's education program, saying it is quite intensive but helps students improve their endurance and overall skills to cope with the rapidly changing society.
``I believe KMA provides a better education compared with other universities here in terms of quality and quantity. Every undergraduate spends all their school years with their colleagues around the clock. It naturally helps students build confidence and trust,'' he said.
He stressed the academy still has a long way to go to be embraced by the public. ``As the head of the alumni association, I will pave the way for KMA to be loved and admired by the public,'' he said. ``I will also come up with diverse measures to support graduates in difficult situations and build an alumni association building in the near future.''
Oh Myung first stepped into the political circle in 1980 as presidential secretary for economy and science. He served as head of the Ministry of Transportation from 1993 to 1995. He also took office as minister of science and technology from December 2003 to February 2006.
He was named earlier this year as the distinguished graduate of the Korea Military Academy for 2007 in recognition of his contribution to Korean society.