Defense Minister Seo Wook: "We Will Respond Firmly to North Korea's Threats"

Armed Forces Day Commemoration Held at Icheon Army Special Warfare Command

Defense Minister Seo Wook is paying respects at the National Seoul Memorial Cemetery in Dongjak-gu, Seoul, ahead of the 72nd Armed Forces Day on the 25th. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Young-eun] Defense Minister Seo Wook stated on the 25th, "We will respond firmly to North Korea's threats."

At the 72nd Armed Forces Day ceremony held at the Army Special Warfare Command in Icheon, Gyeonggi Province, Minister Seo said in his welcoming address, "Our military has fulfilled its fundamental mission without any wavering even amid the turbulent security situation."

He continued, "Based on the strong ROK-U.S. alliance, we have maintained an ironclad combined defense posture and perfectly responded to all-around security threats. Our service members protected the lives and health of the people by risking infection during the war against COVID-19," he emphasized.

Minister Seo added, "We will establish a thorough military readiness posture to protect the lives and safety of our citizens. If North Korea threatens this, we will respond firmly," he stressed.

He also stated, "Our military will recall the noble spirit of 'Devotion to the Country, Duty of Soldiers' of our predecessors, establish a 'Preemptive Defense' posture, and fulfill our mission to realize 'Peace for the People.' We will build a 'Strong Security, Proud Military, and United Defense,'" he declared.