Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

Defense ministry holds first meeting to check the progress of defense tasks

Discusses ways to build a strong military backed by science and technology and strengthen the ROK-US alliance

Seeks plan to substantialize defense policies that the public can appreciate

Minister Lee Jong-sup emphasizes “full commitment to implementing national tasks by gathering our capabilities”

The Ministry of National Defense held its first meeting to check the progress of national tasks since the inauguration of Yoon Suk Yeol administration, during which progress on various national priorities was checked and the plan for their future promotion was reinforced.

On the morning of September 2, the ministry held the ‘first meeting to inspect the progress of national tasks’ presided over by Minister Lee Jong-sup. The meeting was held to push ahead with certain national priorities at a speedy pace, focusing on strengthening future measures.

In the government policy meeting held on July 26, the government identified six government policy goals, 23 promises, and 120 national tasks. The ministry takes responsibility for six of these national tasks, including △ nurturing an AI-based strong military backed by science and technology by pushing ahead with the ‘Defense Innovation 4.0’ initiative for the foundation of an entirely new military, △ beefing up the capabilities needed to respond to North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats, △ strengthening the ROK-US military alliance and expanding cooperation in defense science and technology, △ building an advanced military force and forming a virtuous cycle to expand arms industry exports, △ creating a barracks environment for future generations and strengthening soldiers’ moral strength, and △ making soldiers feel proud of their military service.

During the meeting, Lee gathered opinions from the departments in charge of the tasks, and inspected the current implementation situation and future promotion plan in person. Lee also gave his assessment of the current situation of the national tasks. In addition to the national tasks, Lee also checked △ government innovation, △ regulation innovation, △ policy communication, and △ outcomes in the positive administration area, with the aim of exploring ways to embody a hard-working government and substantialize defense policies which the people can appreciate.

“A new government was inaugurated this year. It is important that we lay the groundwork for defense policies to achieve the government policy visions and goals,” Lee said, stressing that “we need to make good arrangements for the plan to promote national priorities, in order to push the national tasks that will be worked on for the next five years. The ministry and each of the armed services need to concentrate on their capabilities to be committed to carrying out national tasks.”

On the Defense Innovation 4.0 initiative, the participants had an in-depth discussion about substantive ways to strengthen the national defense power by changing the constitution in the defense area. They also discussed ways to enhance the military alliance solidarity, including strengthening Korean three-axis system capabilities and readiness to counter North Korea’s advancing nuclear and missile threats, maintenance of the ROK-US combined defense posture, and strengthening of ROK-US extended deterrence capabilities. Participants also exchanged opinions on measures to enhance soldiers’ morale, including a raise in benefits to create a barracks environment for future generations and improve working conditions, improvements in residential conditions, and improvement of meals, clothes, and medical system.

“The ministry will check the progress of the national tasks on a monthly basis. The Office for Government Policy Coordination’s OnNara system (national task management system) will share and manage the progress in real time. The ministry plans to communicate with the Office for Government Policy Coordination and other related ministries by building an organic cooperation system, such as participating in the meeting to inspect national tasks,” an official from the ministry said. “We will strive to ensure the smooth progress of the establishment and amendment of the laws and regulations required for the implementation of national tasks,” the official added.

By Chae-Mu, Im <lims86@dema.mil.kr >

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