[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] Military authorities stated that they are "preparing for the possibility" in response to North Korea's retaliation threats.
On the 11th, Kim Jun-rak, spokesperson for the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said at a regular briefing in response to related questions, "Our military maintains a firm readiness posture and is preparing for various possibilities," adding, "It is currently inappropriate to speak specifically about the content mentioned by North Korea through public reports."
Regarding North Korean military movements, he said, "It is reported that they are conducting summer training, but it is also reported that some aspects are affected by various issues. Specifically, further evaluation is needed," mentioning the possibility of weather impacts such as heavy rain.
According to the Korean Central News Agency, Kim Yo-jong, the sister of North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong-un and vice department director, threatened the South Korean government in a speech at the nationwide emergency epidemic prevention summary meeting held the previous day, saying, "Very strong retaliatory measures must be taken."
She continued, "The problem is that the puppets are still continuously sending leaflets and shabby items," claiming that viruses were introduced via anti-North Korean leaflets.
In response, Moon Hong-sik, deputy spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, said to a question asking, "During the Moon Jae-in administration, the Ministry of National Defense expressed opposition to the distribution of anti-North Korean leaflets; is this the same position?" "What was announced at that time was about the safety of our people, and I ask for understanding in that context," he said.
Meanwhile, regarding China's new claim made the previous day that South Korea pledged not only the existing '3 No's' but also the '1 Restriction' limiting the operation of the deployed THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) system, the Ministry of National Defense drew a line, stating it is not a subject for consultation.
Deputy spokesperson Moon said, "THAAD is a self-defensive means to protect the lives and safety of our people from North Korea's nuclear and missile threats," adding, "We maintain the position that it cannot be a subject of consultation as it concerns security sovereignty." He further stated, "We find it inappropriate for other countries to comment on our necessary defensive measures."
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