Yoon: "Without Security, Livelihood and Economy Cannot Exist"

18 Officers Promoted to Colonel Awarded Samjeong Sword... Emphasizing "Must Overwhelm Conventional Forces" While Mentioning North Korean Nuclear Threat

[Asia Economy Reporter Bae Kyunghwan] President Yoon Suk-yeol urged newly promoted lieutenant generals on the 7th to maintain thorough security readiness. In particular, President Yoon emphasized the North Korean nuclear threat, stating, "We must completely overwhelm them in conventional forces."

On the morning of the same day, President Yoon received duty reports from 18 lieutenant generals, including newly appointed Marine Corps Commander Kim Gye-hwan, at the Yongsan Presidential Office and presented them with the Samjeonggeom insignia. The Samjeonggeom is a sword awarded to brigadier generals, symbolizing national defense, unification, and prosperity. Those promoted to lieutenant general or higher receive the Samjeonggeom along with a badge (a flag with a string) engraved with the recipient's duty, rank, name, and the president's name.

According to the Presidential Office, during the reception after the award ceremony, President Yoon said, "National security is in a more serious situation than ever," and emphasized, "Without thorough security and trust, there is no livelihood or economy. For our economy to grow, we must definitely eliminate security risks." He continued, "Although North Korea possesses nuclear weapons, we must completely overwhelm them in conventional forces," and urged, "Trust in the overwhelming nuclear power of our allies and have confidence that you can respond to all situations."

He also stressed the significance of the Samjeonggeom to them. President Yoon said, "The presentation of the Samjeonggeom badge means that as the commander-in-chief of the armed forces and all of you, we must be willing to risk our lives when the country is in trouble," and added, "Please adopt the attitude that you can exchange your life for the lives and safety of the people." Furthermore, he said, "Please remember that the Samjeonggeom is not for others but a sword to discipline yourself," and "A commander must earn respect from juniors to become a strong military," urging, "Please love your subordinates more in your respective positions."

Meanwhile, the event was attended by Defense Minister Lee Jong-seop and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Kim Seung-gyeom. From the Presidential Office, Chief Secretary Kim Dae-gi, National Security Office Director Kim Sung-han, and Deputy Director of the Security Office Im Jong-deuk were present.