Defense Minister Lee Jong-seop: "We Cannot Halt ROK-US Drills Due to North Korean Threat"

Attendance at the Budget Committee... "Multiple Overwhelming Countermeasures"

Minister of National Defense Lee Jong-seop Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Hee-jun] Defense Minister Lee Jong-seop stated, "There is no way to halt the (ROK-US joint) exercises due to the threat from North Korea," adding, "Training is one of the military's fundamental duties."

Minister Lee made these remarks on the night of the 7th during the National Assembly Budget and Accounts Special Committee's comprehensive policy questioning, in response to a query from Jo Su-jin, a member of the People Power Party, who mentioned that some lawmakers are demanding a suspension of the ROK-US exercises.

Regarding North Korea's claim that it launched a cruise missile into the waters off Ulsan, Minister Lee said, "If North Korea's announcement is true, it would be a very serious situation," but added, "Based on the verification and analysis of our military's surveillance and reconnaissance assets, it has been confirmed that North Korea's announcement is not factual."

In response to Representative Jo's question asking for an explanation of our military's strike assets in case of emergency, Minister Lee replied, "While specific details are restricted, there are various means to overwhelmingly respond."

He also agreed with the point that "the normalization of civil defense drills is necessary," saying, "I concur."