11 Former Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairmen Warn "Relocation of Blue House Office Raises Security Concerns... Hasty Decisions Are Not Acceptable"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Ki-min Lee] It was reported on the 20th that 11 retired generals who previously served as Chairmen of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) conveyed to the Presidential Transition Committee their stance that the relocation of the Ministry of National Defense to the presidential office should not be rushed.

Eleven former chairmen, including Kim Jong-hwan, the 15th JCS Chairman (retired Army General), pointed out in a statement titled "Relocation of the Ministry of National Defense to the Blue House Office Raises Concerns of Security Gaps," that "the relocation of the Ministry of National Defense building from the Blue House office will cause a chain movement of the Ministry and the JCS, potentially creating security gaps during the power transition period."

They emphasized, "The presidential office is the national command center and a symbol, as well as the last bastion of national security, so its relocation is a critical national matter," adding, "It should not be pushed through hastily within a short period."

They continued, "Especially during the power transition period, with North Korea repeatedly launching missiles and showing signs of preparing for nuclear tests, there is concern about chaos in the military's rapid response during this vulnerable security period," and argued, "If the Ministry of National Defense building is used as the Blue House office, it would become the best target for the enemy to simultaneously strike our government and military command."

The former chairmen who participated in this statement include a total of 11 people: former Chairman Kim, Choi Se-chang, Lee Pil-seop, Cho Young-gil, Lee Nam-shin, Kim Jong-hwan (31st), Lee Sang-hee, Han Min-koo, Jung Seung-jo, Choi Yoon-hee, and Lee Soon-jin.