'Central Integrated Defense Meeting' Directly Presided by the President
Criticizing the Moon Administration, "Training Not Properly Conducted"
"Civilian, Government, Military, and Police Must Unite to Establish Security"
[Asia Economy Reporter Baek Kyunghwan] President Yoon Suk-yeol criticized the previous administration on the 8th, stating, "Relying on fake peace, integrated training among civilians, government, military, and police was not properly conducted." He then instructed, "Check whether there are any gaps in the integrated defense posture according to North Korea's types of provocations." This directive was aimed at preparing in advance for recent provocations such as North Korea's drone attacks, considering internal and external assessments that North Korea's provocations will diversify beyond missiles.
On the morning of the same day, President Yoon presided over the 56th Central Integrated Defense Meeting at the Blue House State Guest House, reviewing the national integrated defense posture with key officials from civilian, government, military, and police sectors and delivering these instructions. A presidential office official explained, "Recently, North Korea has explicitly declared us a 'clear enemy' and openly displayed its willingness for a nuclear preemptive strike," adding, "In a severe security situation where threats to public safety are increasing through drones, terrorism, and cyberattacks, it was conducted with the recognition that establishing a unified security posture centered on the president is crucial."
President Yoon Suk-yeol salutes the national flag at the 56th Central Integrated Defense Meeting held at the Blue House State Guest House on the 8th. Photo by Yonhap News
The Central Integrated Defense Meeting is a forum where key officials from civilian, government, military, and police sectors gather to review the national integrated defense posture and discuss development measures in preparation for national security threats such as enemy infiltration and provocations. It originated from the 1968 'Emergency Security Meeting' initiated to respond to frequent North Korean infiltrations and provocations, and has since been held under the chairmanship of the president or prime minister considering the security situation.
In his opening remarks, President Yoon pointed out, "The scale of the meeting was reduced during the previous administration." This reflects the judgment that the nationwide total war system, which unites all national defense forces to defend the country, has weakened. In particular, President Yoon analyzed, "The possibility of North Korea's strategic provocations such as the 7th nuclear test and ICBM (Intercontinental Ballistic Missile) launches remains. North Korea's asymmetric provocations, cyberattacks, and various terrorism threats are increasing," adding, "The international security situation is also shaking due to the Ukraine war."
This is the first time in seven years since 2016 that the president has directly presided over the Central Integrated Defense Meeting. This underscores the need for a comprehensive government response as North Korea's provocations have become bolder and more diverse. More than 160 key officials from the central government, local governments, the National Intelligence Service, each military branch, the National Police Agency, the Korea Coast Guard, the National Fire Agency, and related civilian experts attended in large numbers for this reason.
President Yoon emphasized the "government's emergency preparedness system maintenance" while instructing a review of North Korea's provocation types. He further stated, "The civilian sector, government, military, and police must unite with one strength to establish a solid total security posture and ensure thorough protection of the people in emergencies." This highlights the growing concern over civilian damage from North Korea's drone provocations and the necessity of civilian cooperation to establish next-generation preparedness systems.
The National Intelligence Service also reported the current security situation to President Yoon, and the Integrated Defense Headquarters announced the direction for military readiness and integrated defense posture. In the subsequent thematic discussions, specific topics such as ▲ strengthening response capabilities and public protection measures against North Korean nuclear and missile threats and high-intensity provocations ▲ preparedness and capability enhancement against terrorism and cyber threats were discussed in detail.
The military presented plans to designate civilian companies as national critical infrastructure. Currently, 12 sites including KT Guro Branch and KT Geoje Undersea Relay Station are designated as level B, and 10 sites including SK Telecom Incheon Office and LGU+ Busan Choryang Office are designated as level A. There are 533 national critical infrastructure sites, of which 56 are information and communication facilities. However, following the SK C&C Pangyo Data Center fire incident in October last year, there is a plan to consider designating data centers directly linked to public life as national critical infrastructure.
Protection facilities against North Korea's nuclear and missile threats will also be strengthened. A representative measure is mandating the installation of evacuation facilities when constructing apartments and schools. Support measures are expected to include allowing these facilities to be used as swimming pools, libraries, etc., during peacetime. Additionally, considering that nationwide civil defense drills have not been conducted recently, civil defense drills will be implemented starting in May.
Meanwhile, before the meeting, President Yoon awarded presidential citations to five institutions including Jeju Provincial Office, the 35th and 56th Army Divisions, Jeonbuk Police Agency, and Kori Nuclear Power Plant, commending their contributions to the efficient operation of national defense elements and the establishment of an integrated defense posture. A presidential office official stated, "As threats to public safety are becoming increasingly diverse, a comprehensive government-level preparation is now necessary," adding, "The Yoon administration will check and prepare various readiness postures accordingly."
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