Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

Suh Wook made the statement in his inauguration address as Minister of National Defense

In the ‘46th and 47th Minister of National Defense Farewell and Inauguration’ ceremony, which was held in the main conference room of the Ministry of National Defense, located in Yongsan, Seoul, on September 18, the new minister Suh Wook (right) and former minister Jeong Kyeong-doo greet each other with a fist bump.

New Minister of National Defense Suh clarified that the ministry will support the promotion of the peace process on the Korean Peninsula by faithfully implementing the historic September 19 inter-Korean military agreement.

Suh made the statement at the inauguration ceremony, which was held at the main building of the ministry, Yongsan, Seoul, in the afternoon of September 18, saying that “North Korea is not ready to step forward with the enhancement of the security environment on the Korean Peninsula, despite the efforts for the establishment of peace made by our government and the international community.”

“Our military will support the complete denuclearization of and the establishment of a permanent peace on the Korean Peninsula through an unwavering defense posture,” Suh said. “The establishment of an unwavering defense posture will be achieved through efficient weapons and operational systems, a firm willingness to accomplish missions, and continuous training.”

“Neighboring countries’ pursuits of their own interests has been raising regional tensions on the Korean Peninsula. Recently, supranational and non-military threats, such as COVID-19, natural disasters, and terrors, are emerging as significant challenges to national security,” Suh assessed with regard to the security situation on the peninsula.

Suh also clarified his willingness to promptly push for the planned transfer of wartime operational control (OPCON).

“In response to the need of the times, we should strive to accelerate the transfer of wartime OPCON based on the firm alliance between the Republic of Korea (ROK) and the United States (US). We will work to meet the necessary conditions for the transfer early by precisely evaluating our military’s capabilities, including the ROK forces’ core military capabilities,” Suh explained.

Continuing, Suh added, “We will clearly predict the future battlefield environment based on the development of technologies, including in the artificial intelligence, robotics, biotech and space areas, and will actively respond to it. We should be ready to adopt scientific technologies in the era of the 4th industrial revolution.”

“We should always be a ‘military that is trusted, supported and loved by the people.’ If we cooperate in harmony to do something great, I believe we can overcome many difficulties,” Suh added.

By Digital Planning Team

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