Page 55 - 2020 Defence White Paper

Section

3 Defense Reform 2.0

With the goal of creating a "strong military" that supports peace and prosperity of the
Republic of Korea based on strength at an early date, the MND has adopted and is Chapter 2
pushing ahead with more feasible "Defense Reform 2.0 Basic Plan" in order to achieve
the objectives of the reform.

1. Goal and Tenets

The MND selected the early creation of a "strong military" that supports peace and
prosperity of the Republic of Korea with strength as the goal of Defense Reform 2.0.
"Strong military" means a military capable of taking the initiative in responding
to omnidirectional security threats, an elite military powered by cutting-edge
technology and a military managed in a way that befits the standing of a developed
country.
The three tenets of Defense Reform 2.0 are: (1) strengthen the structure and
foundation to enhance defense capabilities to take the lead in national defense; (2)

fully utilize the Fourth Industrial Revolution technology to overcome the ROK’s
limitations on its resources and adapt to future battlefields; and (3) gain nationwide
support by pursuing a national defense reform that is in line with the demands of the
nation and society.
The goal and the tenets of Defense Reform 2.0 are based on the National Defense
Reform Act enacted in 2006 and are in line with the national defense reforms
promoted by previous administrations. However, it is true that there have been
repeated adjustments and delays due to various changes in security conditions.
Recently, omnidirectional security threats have emerged, including deepening
instability in the security environment of Northeast Asia as well as threats from
North Korea, and increasing transnational and nonmilitary threats such as disasters,
terrorisms, and cyber-attacks. It is no longer possible to postpone national defense
reforms due to the rapid deterioration of the conditions for implementing defense
policies, such as shortage of military service resources due to a population cliff and

Chapter 2. National Security Strategy and Defense Policy 53