Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

“Show North Korea what the cost of provocation will be.”

Greater emphasis on stronger punishments and readiness posture; continuous threat to the peace expected from North Korea

Minister Han, “We win in actual warfare when we win in our mind”

President Park Geun-hye ordered our army to respond strongly to North Korea, as is the usual practice, if they provoke us, and to clearly show North Korea what the cost would be.

At a luncheon with major commanders at Chungmu Hall, Cheongwadae, on June 23, President Park said, “We have to prepare for more powerful combat so that North Korea does not dare to shake us up or loosen our international cooperation system through any provocations.”

“Even now, the North considers themselves a nuclear power, while flatly refusing to requests for denuclearization from the South and the international community. The disclosure of all those nuclear warheads, the firing of a new multiple rocket launcher, SLBM test-firing, and several ballistic missile firing sessions are currently threatening peace. They fired two medium-range ballistic missiles yesterday as well, and it is expected to be difficult to tip the balance,” said the President.

She also added, “In particular, as the effects of strong sanctions from the international community are gradually getting on track; there is the possibility that the North’s resistance can lead to unexpected provocations. However, if we are afraid of their provocations and repeat the pattern of provocation-compensation again, just like in the old days, then denuclearization and everlasting peace on the Korean Peninsula is something we cannot expect. We will never close our eyes to the North’s provocations that threaten our stability and peace, and by closely cooperating with the international community, we will continue to apply sanctions and pressure to North Korea until they choose the path of change.”

Meanwhile, President Park praised our army for their hard work, as they successfully responded to continuative provocations from North Korea. “Since the 4th nuclear experiment, everyone has been sparing no efforts to maintain a stringent military readiness posture over an extended period of time. I’d like to commend your hard work in responding well to the North Korean provocations with thorough training and a strong spirit, despite the fatigue you must be experiencing. I’m thankful to the US forces in Korea as well, as they have backed up the iron-clad Korea-US alliance based on a strong combined defense posture between both countries,” said the President.

She also said, “Recently, our army has been cooperating with the United Nations Command (UNC) to execute joint control over Chinese illegal fishing boats in the mouth of Han River, and we support local residents living on the border area who are in economic trouble after the North Korean nuclear test. These actions were carried out to respond to the needs of our people. Please keep carrying out other projects that are of great interest to the public, such as the establishment of an advanced military culture and improving the characteristics of the defense acquisition program, the elitism of the reserved forces, etc.”

MND held a senior leadership seminar of the armed forces

Prior to this, the MND held a senior leadership seminar of the armed forces for the first half of 2016, and confirmed their firm military readiness posture in the light of the recent successive missile provocations from North Korea. On North Korea’s mid-range ballistic missile firing - the launch of Musudan, which took place the day before the seminar - the Minister of National Defense, Han Min-koo, said that this firing was in obvious violation of the UN Security Council's resolution, and it was also a grave menace to peace and safety over the Korean Peninsula and in the international community. He warned North Korea that it would not only face more powerful sanctions from us and the international community, but would end up in complete isolation and self-destruction if it continues to provoke us.

Minister Han assessed that we are facing a serious security situation that has never been encountered before, as North Korea has accelerated its development of nuclear weapons and missiles, and there is increased possibility of provocations, such as sanctions and pressure, as well as the unpredictability of Kim Jong-un’s behavior. He went on to say that our army should respond to any of North Korea’s provocations without hesitation, and that we should build a strong military readiness posture so that North Korea does not dare to provoke us again.

“An army can become a strong army that is trusted by the people when it is faithful to victory, which is its duty and purpose. We should constantly ask and strengthen ourselves whether we, and our units, have the ability and preparedness to fight and win,” said the Minister.

He noted, “The most important thing is to maintain a firm posture of spiritual readiness. We can win in actual warfare when we win in our minds. Do not forget the past; let it guide our future. By keeping that in mind,  let us strengthen our relentless determination to make a leap forward toward developing strong forces, innovative national defense, and a trusted army. Around 150 people, including the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Lee Sun-jin, the Army, Air Force, and Navy Chief of Staff, the Commander of Marine Corps, and Directors of Organizations under direct MND supervision attended this seminar arranged by Minister Han.

By Yeong-Sun, Lee < ys119@dema.mil.kr >
By Byeong-No, Yun < trylover@dema.mil.kr >
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