Page 5 - 2018 Defense White Paper

All in all, there will be an increase in transparency, efficiency, and openness across all areas of defense management. To
that end, a legal basis will be established for compliance with the principle of political neutrality of the military, coupled with
continuous efforts toward broadening civilian participation in policy-making.

Furthermore, we will create a strong “smart military” by actively adopting key Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies
into the field of defense for efficient defense budget management.
The ROK Armed Forces is making utmost efforts to forge a military culture that garners trust from the society and uplifts
the morale of the troops. We will shape an advanced barracks culture that values autonomy and responsibility as well as
dramatically improves overall service conditions while further intensifying our efforts to protect the human rights of our
troops, guarantee their safety, and create an environment that makes the noble service of our troops to the nation more
rewarding and fulfilling.
In addition, to minimize any inconveniences to the local community and benefit society, military airfields will be relocated
to the extent permitted by operational requirements. Active efforts toward creating military installations that can be mutually
beneficial for the military and the local community will be combined with appropriate regulatory reforms. Greater emphasis
will be placed on environment-friendliness in defense policy initiatives as well.
As our nation hopes to usher in a “new era of peace and prosperity,” we need greater “strength” than ever before. Without
“strength,” we can neither maintain nor establish peace. For denuclearization and permanent peace, the ROK Armed Forces
is resolved to achieve “strong security and responsible defense” to support “a Peaceful and Prosperous Korean Peninsula”
through strength.
The Defense White Paper describes in detail the direction of the Moon Jae-in administration’s defense policies and the
major defense accomplishments over the past two years. Hoping that the 2018 Defense White Paper will help its readers better
understand and appreciate the ROK Armed Forces, we look forward to your continued support for our troops.
December 31, 2018

Jeong Kyeongdoo
Minister of National Defense, Republic of Korea