[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] On the 1st, Defense Minister Lee Jong-seop stated that the normalization of the Korea-Japan General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA·Jisomia) is necessary.
Minister Lee appeared at the National Assembly National Defense Committee plenary session on the same day and responded to a question from Kim Young-bae of the Democratic Party of Korea, asking, "Is there anything being considered regarding GSOMIA?" by saying, "I believe the normalization of GSOMIA is necessary," and added, "Whether to expedite the timing immediately or to consider it comprehensively while looking at the Korea-Japan relationship from a broader perspective will be reviewed."
Regarding Kim's claim that "Japan's export restrictions have not been resolved and it is close to submissive diplomacy," he said, "It is not a form of submissive diplomacy, and the direction of normalization will eventually benefit our national interests." He further explained about the detection capabilities of Korea and Japan concerning North Korea's nuclear and missile threats, stating, "Depending on the form and range of North Korea's launches, either we or Japan may have the advantage."
In response to Kim's question about whether Kim Yong-hyun, the head of security and a senior alumnus of the Korea Military Academy, exerted influence in replacing all the chiefs of staff of the army, navy, and air force after his appointment, Minister Lee replied, "I recommended all officers of three-star rank or higher. There were no other instructions."
Some expect that the timing for the normalization of GSOMIA will be advanced under the Yoon administration. A government official said, "It is true that GSOMIA, which exchanges military secrets below level 2 between the two countries, has so far focused on sharing North Korean missile specifications (information)," adding, "There is also a possibility that the types of information and the frequency of sharing may change."
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