President Moon awards Samjeong Sword to newly promoted military brigadier generals: "We must reclaim wartime operational control"

[Asia Economy Reporter Son Sunhee] On the 29th, President Moon Jae-in awarded the 'symbol of generals,' the Samjeong Sword (三精劍), to 77 newly promoted brigadier generals at the Blue House State Guest House.

Han Jung-woo, Deputy Spokesperson of the Blue House, stated in a written briefing that afternoon, "President Moon held the awarding ceremony and a reception at the Blue House State Guest House from 2:00 PM to 3:20 PM. It is the first time under the Moon Jae-in administration that the commander-in-chief of the military personally awards the Samjeong Sword to brigadier generals. This initiative started from President Moon's belief that the promotion to general officer rank holds great significance for military personnel."

The brigadier generals who received the Samjeong Sword that day included 53 from the Army, 11 from the Navy, 11 from the Air Force, and 2 from the Marine Corps. The ceremony was held under the title of 'Wiguk Heonsin Gunin Bonbun (爲國獻身 軍人本分·Devotion to the country is the duty of a soldier),' a calligraphy piece by independence activist Ahn Jung-geun.

In his opening remarks during the reception, President Moon said, "In the past, the Samjeong Sword was awarded by the president only to generals promoted to full general and some lieutenant generals, but for the third consecutive year under our government, the president personally awards it to all general officer promotees. I wanted to personally award and congratulate those who have chosen the path of a military officer because I understand how honorable and fulfilling it is to receive the first star after long effort and waiting."

President Moon added, "Security is extremely precious in our society. Therefore, generals, as leaders commanding the military, have become members leading our society. I ask you to now look at the country with a broader perspective and share the vision of where the Republic of Korea should go." He also said, "The Republic of Korea must become an innovative country and follow the path of innovation. The military must lead Korea's innovation through defense reforms in weapon systems, strategy and tactics, and military management."

In particular, President Moon emphasized, "Someday, we must take responsibility for our own defense with our own strength. Someday, we must reclaim wartime operational control. I believe and expect that you will be the main actors in realizing self-reliant defense and operational control."