SEOUL, September 6, 2024 – South Korea’s newly appointed Defense Minister, Kim Young-sik, has reaffirmed the country’s commitment to a robust response to any provocations from North Korea, emphasizing the principles of immediate, strong, and resolute countermeasures.
Kim Young-sik made the remarks during his assumption of office ceremony at the Seoul Defense Ministry building on Thursday. The new defense minister stressed that South Korea will build a formidable defense posture and military strength to deter any potential provocations.
If North Korea persists in provoking us, we will respond with immediate, strong, and resolute countermeasures, Kim Young-sik said. This resolute response is aimed at the North Korean regime and its leadership, meaning that North Korea will face regime collapse if it continues to provoke us.
Kim Young-sik also highlighted his commitment to playing a leading role in developing the South Korea-U.S. alliance and extending its deterrence capabilities. He emphasized the need to adapt to new battlefield environments such as hybrid warfare, cyber warfare, space warfare, and electronic warfare. The defense minister vowed to achieve a rapid transformation of the military to an unmanned combat system while reducing personnel while enhancing combat power. Additionally, he pledged to comprehensively improve the working conditions and benefits of military personnel.
The ceremony also marked the departure of the outgoing Defense Minister, Shin Won-sik, who has been appointed as the director of the National Security Office. Shin Won-sik’s departure and Kim Young-sik’s appointment come at a time of heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula, with North Korea recently releasing balloons carrying propaganda materials into South Korea.
South Korea’s robust response to North Korean provocations comes amid increasing concerns about the North’s nuclear and missile programs. The United States and South Korea have been working closely to develop a comprehensive strategy to address the North Korean threat.
In recent months, North Korea has conducted several missile launches, including tests of intercontinental ballistic missiles, which have raised concerns about the country’s ability to reach the United States with nuclear weapons. The international community has called on North Korea to halt its nuclear and missile tests and return to negotiations.
Kim Young-sik’s appointment as defense minister is seen as a continuation of the strong defense posture taken by the South Korean government under President Yoon Suk-yeol. President Yoon has made it a priority to strengthen the country’s military capabilities and improve its defense industry.
The new defense minister’s focus on adapting to new battlefield environments reflects the changing nature of warfare in the 21st century. As technology advances, military forces must adapt to new threats and challenges. South Korea’s commitment to building a formidable defense posture is a testament to its determination to protect its citizens and maintain peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.
In conclusion, South Korea’s new Defense Minister, Kim Young-sik, has taken a strong stance against North Korean provocations, emphasizing the principles of immediate, strong, and resolute countermeasures. As tensions on the Korean Peninsula continue to escalate, Kim Young-sik’s appointment as defense minister is a crucial step in ensuring South Korea’s security and stability.
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