All-Commanders Meeting... Minister Lee Says "High Possibility of Additional North Korean Provocations"

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] Defense Minister Lee Jong-seop held a meeting with key commanders of the entire military and assessed that "under the current situation where North Korea is intensively launching various types of ballistic missiles, the possibility of additional provocations is high."

According to the Ministry of National Defense on the 7th, Minister Lee emphasized that the possibility of North Korea's tactical provocations by striking unexpectedly from the east while attacking from the west (Seongdong-gyeokseo style) cannot be overlooked, urging to strengthen immediate response readiness on the ground and the preparedness of the troops.

Minister Lee stressed that incidents causing public concern, such as the abnormal fall accident of the Hyunmoo missile, must not occur, ordering thorough cause analysis and the establishment of measures to prevent recurrence to complete a flawless mission readiness posture.

He also emphasized that lessons should be learned from the mistakes that occurred, and that the military must redouble its efforts, return to its fundamental stance, and focus on strengthening training and readiness to become a military trusted and loved by the people.

The Ministry of National Defense reported that Minister Lee stressed that to realize "peace through strength and deterrence," the military must above all build and maintain a strong defense capability.

Furthermore, he evaluated the achievements of defense policies since the launch of the Yoon Seok-yeol administration, including ▲the establishment of the Korean-style 3-axis system ▲the development of the Defense Innovation 4.0 basic plan ▲enhancement of the U.S. extended deterrence execution capability ▲strengthening of ROK-U.S. joint exercises and training. He also formed a consensus that all members must unite their minds and efforts to systematically and efficiently promote the six major focuses of future defense operations.

The meeting, held via video conference in the morning, was attended by key officials from the Ministry of National Defense, the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), and each military branch, including Kim Seung-gyeom, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; Park Jeong-hwan, Army Chief of Staff; Lee Jong-ho, Navy Chief of Naval Operations; Jeong Sang-hwa, Air Force Chief of Staff; and Kim Tae-seong, Commandant of the Marine Corps.