Page 49 - 2018 Defense White Paper

from external forces and, if deterrence fails, achieve an early victory “with the least damage

possible, within the shortest time possible.”

| Concept | The concept of the ROK Armed Forces’ military strategy is to f lexibly respond

to changes in the security environment and omnidirectional security threats, as well as develop
Chapter 2
the ability to take the initiative in deterring and responding to omnidirectional threats upon the
robust foothold of ROK-U.S. Alliance. When it comes to the North Korean threats, the ROK

Armed Forces will establish and implement arms control strategies capable of reducing threats,
and thus the likelihood of war, and building a peace regime in the long term. In addition, the
ROK Armed Forces will secure the ability and posture capable of deterring threats based on the

robust ROK–U.S. Alliance, as well as to attain complete victory in wars. It will allow them to
deter provocation and invasion from North Korea, prevent an accidental military collision, and
control the situation with both rapid response and de-escalation measures executed concurrently.
In case that deterrence fails, the ROK Armed Forces will end the war “with the least damage

possible, within the shortest time possible.”
The ROK Armed Forces will work closely with the regional partners during peacetime to

shape a favorable strategic environment and prevent conf lict by enhancing the deterrence
capabilities. The ROK Armed Forces will also preemptively prepare and actively respond
against cyber threats by establishing comprehensive strategies. When it comes to nonmilitary
threats, the ROK Armed Forces will ensure military readiness to keep the people safe both the

inside and outside of the country; prevent threats by sharing information and building a joint
response system with related agencies; and, in case of an actual threat, restore stability early on
with rapid response.

| Direction of Military Force Development | The ROK Armed Forces aims to build a
military power capable of f lexible response to omnidirectional security threats including those

from North Korea and other potential threats. The ROK Armed Forces will build the ability to
lead and carry out combined operations by reforming the military structure (command, unit,
troop, and force) to be prepared for wartime operational control (OPCON) transition. The

ROK Armed Forces will also build the capabilities and systems for effective response to cyber
and space threats, as well as reinforce its support system for active response to nonmilitary
threats such as terrorism, international crimes, and disasters.

Section 2 National Defense Policy and Military Strategy 47