[Full Text] President Yoon's Armed Forces Day Speech: "North Korea Obsessed with Nukes and Missiles... Will Face Overwhelming Response"

President Yoon Suk-yeol is saluting the national flag at the grand parade ground of Gyeryongdae, Chungnam, during the '74th Armed Forces Day' ceremony held on the morning of the 1st. /

[Asia Economy Reporter Baek Kyunghwan] President Yoon Suk-yeol attended the 74th Armed Forces Day event held at Gyeryongdae on the 1st and stated in his commemorative speech, "If North Korea attempts to use nuclear weapons, it will face a resolute and overwhelming response from the ROK-US alliance and our military." This was a warning to North Korea, which carried out successive military provocations, including additional missile launches that morning. President Yoon also mentioned, "The North Korean regime must make a decision for denuclearization for true peace and joint prosperity on the Korean Peninsula, even at this late hour."

The following is the full text of President Yoon's commemorative speech.

Respected citizens,

Armed Forces personnel and distinguished guests!

Congratulations on the 74th anniversary of the founding of the Armed Forces.

On Armed Forces Day, I pay deep respect to the patriotic soldiers and national heroes who made today's free Republic of Korea possible.

I also extend my respect and gratitude to the founding veterans, war veterans, and reservists who are the living history of the Republic of Korea Armed Forces.

To the soldiers who are fulfilling their duties to defend the land, sea, and air of the Republic of Korea at this very moment, and to the deployed troops overseas who are enhancing Korea’s stature worldwide, I thank you for your dedication and hard work.

And to the families of the soldiers who support them in every way so they can faithfully carry out their missions, as well as to the U.S. Forces Korea soldiers and their families who contribute to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, I also express my gratitude.

Respected citizens, armed forces personnel!

Since its founding 74 years ago, our military has fulfilled its role and responsibility as a strong protector of the Republic of Korea.

During the Korean War, it defended the homeland and protected freedom with blood and sweat.

Despite North Korea’s relentless provocations and security threats, our military has protected the nation with unwavering readiness.

In the face of national disasters and calamities, it has devoted itself to safeguarding the lives and safety of the people, providing great comfort and inspiration to the citizens.

The reason our people can enjoy the freedom they have today is because of the patriotic spirit and strong sense of duty of the armed forces personnel who have protected the Republic of Korea.

The status of our military has also completely changed.

Although it started under harsh conditions without proper weapons and equipment, it now possesses defense capabilities recognized worldwide.

The next-generation fighter KF-21, developed with our own technology, successfully completed its first test flight, and the Jeongjo the Great-class next-generation Aegis destroyer, one of the world’s best, was built by our hands.

Recently, we signed the largest-ever export contract with Poland for tanks, self-propelled artillery, and FA-50 light attack aircraft, establishing ourselves as a global defense export powerhouse.

Our soldiers contribute to international freedom, peace, and prosperity by engaging in peacekeeping and reconstruction activities around the world.

As the commander-in-chief and as a citizen, I am very proud of our military, which has grown into a strong force.

Respected citizens!

Despite over 30 years of sustained opposition from the international community, North Korea has not abandoned its obsession with nuclear weapons and missiles.

Recently, it even adopted a nuclear weapons policy into law, threatening the survival and prosperity of the Republic of Korea.

North Korea’s nuclear weapons development is a direct challenge to the international nuclear non-proliferation regime (NPT). Developing nuclear weapons will only deepen the suffering of the North Korean people.

The North Korean regime must now make a decision for denuclearization for true peace and joint prosperity on the Korean Peninsula.

Respected citizens, beloved armed forces personnel!

To protect the universal values of freedom, human rights, and the rule of law that we enjoy, and to achieve sustainable peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula, strong national defense must be supported above all.

Our military will maintain a firm military readiness posture to protect the lives and property of our people against any provocations and threats from North Korea.

If North Korea attempts to use nuclear weapons, it will face a resolute and overwhelming response from the ROK-US alliance and our military.

President Biden and I have further strengthened the ROK-US security alliance through the May summit and this visit. The two countries have enhanced the implementation of extended deterrence, including the timely deployment of U.S. strategic assets, through the Extended Deterrence Strategy and Consultation Group (EDSCG).

As part of these efforts, we conducted joint maritime exercises with the U.S. Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group. Going forward, the government will strengthen ROK-US joint exercises and drills to firmly respond to North Korean provocations and threats, realizing an "active alliance."

Additionally, we will promptly establish a Korean-style "3-axis system" that can overwhelm North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats, dramatically enhancing reconnaissance, surveillance, and strike capabilities against the North.

By establishing the Strategic Command, we will integrate advanced forces that have been separately operated by the Army, Navy, and Air Force, and enhance security capabilities in new domains such as space and cyber.

Proud armed forces personnel!

South Korea is currently facing more serious and multifaceted security challenges than ever before.

In particular, the boundaries between security and economy are blurring, and the pool of military service resources is rapidly shrinking due to demographic changes. To respond to these diverse crises and challenges, we must utilize advanced science and technology based on the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Through Defense Innovation 4.0, our military must redesign its defense posture and leap forward as a science and technology-strong force optimized for the security environment.

By boldly innovating regulations, we will incorporate excellent civilian advanced science and technology into all areas of defense and rapidly secure advanced and asymmetric power by building AI-based manned-unmanned combined systems.

The mental readiness of our military is also very important.

All soldiers must establish a firm adversary awareness and strict military discipline, and through realistic training, build a strong military capable of winning against any threat.

The government will actively support the military to boldly pursue defense innovation.

In particular, to create a barracks environment that satisfies our soldiers who dedicate themselves to the country, we will continuously promote salary increases, revolutionary improvements in food, clothing, and housing, and improvements in command and service conditions for officers.

Respected citizens, proud armed forces personnel, and distinguished guests!

Strong security is built together by the people and the military.

Our military is ready to fulfill any mission entrusted by the people.

I ask the citizens to trust our military and give it greater support and encouragement.

As commander-in-chief, I deeply trust our military and will do my best to ensure that the uniformed heroes are respected.

Together with the people, I will strive to ensure that those who have sacrificed and dedicated themselves to the nation are honored and respected.

Once again, congratulations on Armed Forces Day, and I wish infinite honor and blessings to all the Republic of Korea Armed Forces personnel.

Thank you.