Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

“Promoting a powerful army, focused only on the enemy and winning the war”

Ordered to prepare for strategic and tactical provocations from North Korea aiming at stabilizing its unstable system

Asked for the creation of a more energetic army life through the flexible operation of units

Explained the military need for a Korea-Japan General Security Of Military Information Agreement

On October 28, Minister of National Defense Han Min-koo ordered our military to adopt a firm readiness posture, saying that North Korea is highly likely to provoke us at a strategic and tactical level in order to stabilize its unstable system.

He held a ’videoconference with major commanders’ including chiefs of staff of the army·navy·air forces at the war room of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and emphasized that all commanders and troops should strive to build ’a powerful military capable of winning any wars’ so that they can live up to the people’s expectations.

Minister Han evaluated that North Korea is likely to provoke at a strategic and tactical level to change the situation, as their instability is getting worse with consistent pressures including sanctions against the North, massive flood damages and financial difficulties, North Korean defectors, etc.

He said, “In such a context, we are facing a very difficult situation nationally and major officials (in our military) are being replaced. We should maintain an airtight readiness with clearer situational awareness than ever so that we can fulfill the people’s expectations.”

In particular, Minister Han asked the military to ▲adopt a firm and thorough military reaction posture, ▲promote a powerful military by focusing only on the enemy and winning wars, and ▲strive to create an energetic barracks through the flexible operation of units, saying that its purpose of existence and value gets clear when the military commits to the duty and role under any circumstances.

He then praised and encouraged all the commanders and troops for their hard work in maintaining an intensive readiness posture since the beginning of this year, given the enhanced security situation due to the North’s nuclear and missile threats.

The Minister also attended a plenary session of the National Defense Committee, held at the National Assembly this day, and explained that the Korea-Japan General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) related discussions have been resumed because of the need for security cooperation to cope with the North Korean nuclear and missile threats.

“North Korea conducted two nuclear tests and 20 test firings of ballistic missiles this year, which causes more severe security circumstances in Korea. Quick and accurate information acquisition and use of the information are our highest priority in order to effectively handle the North’s nuclear and missile threats, so we have a security interest in entering into the GSOMIA with Japan” said Minister Han.

To a question regarding whether Japan is asking for the conclusion of an agreement as an outpost for including Korea in the missile defense (MD) system led by the U.S., he answered, “We resumed the discussion based on our military needs.”

He also said, “Since the U.S. has alliances with Korea, Japan, Australia and other countries, they always announce messages of a general level to have good relationship between allied nations. However, this issue has no direct relevance to that.”

By Byeong-No, Yun < trylover@dema.mil.kr >
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