Visiting Frontline Troops on Armed Forces Day During the Holiday to Encourage Soldiers
Meeting Soldiers, Yoon Says, "Your Dedication Drives the Economy and Industry"
Major General Choi Seong-jin: "Turning a Blind Eye to Enemy Movements Leaves Security Defenseless"
President Yoon Suk-yeol visited the western front line on the 1st and stated, "When the military protects national security with strong power, the people trust you, engage in economic activities, create jobs, and achieve growth." Meeting with the soldiers, President Yoon expressed his gratitude, saying, "There were times when I couldn't sleep due to various worries thinking only about security, but meeting you all makes me feel reassured."
On the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the armed forces and the Chuseok holiday, President Yoon inspected the Army's 25th Infantry Division located in Yeoncheon-gun, Gyeonggi Province, in the afternoon. He said, "Keep in mind that your dedication on the front line of security is the shortcut to boosting our economy and industry, and take pride in your duties." This is the second time President Yoon has visited a military unit during the Chuseok holiday. During his first year in office, he visited an air defense company under the Capital Defense Command to encourage soldiers during Chuseok.
President Yoon Suk-yeol visited the observation post of the 25th Army Division in Yeoncheon-gun, Gyeonggi Province, on the 1st, which is both the Chuseok holiday and Armed Forces Day, inspecting the barbed wire fence and receiving an explanation from Choi Sung-jin, commander of the 25th Division. [Photo by Yonhap News]
On this day, President Yoon, dressed without a tie and wearing black sunglasses, received a report on military readiness from Choi Seong-jin, commander of the 25th Division. President Yoon personally explained, "The 25th Division was established in 1953, right after the Korean War, successfully conducting more than 30 anti-espionage operations, and in 1974, it was the first to discover a North Korean infiltration tunnel. Since last year, it has been operating the Army TIGER pilot brigade, which carries out future defense innovation, playing a leading role in defense innovation."
He added, "I deeply appreciate the hard work of the soldiers dedicated to GOP (General Outpost) guard operations on the western front line," and encouraged them, saying, "I am proud and reassured by the soldiers of the Sangseung Biryong Unit who always win when they fight." In particular, he personally patrolled the GOP fence on foot, inspected the guard posture, and praised the soldiers' efforts. While descending the fence, President Yoon asked if there were any safety risks when it snows in winter and urged thorough preparation of safety equipment such as crampons. In response, Commander Choi Seong-jin explained that the fence is currently equipped with a manned and unmanned integrated surveillance system, which has improved personnel operation efficiency compared to the past, and promised to do his best for the soldiers' safety. Commander Choi added, "We are guarding against two enemies," "one is North Korea, and the other is our own complacency. If we fall into the complacency that today is the same as yesterday and tomorrow will be the same as today, and close our eyes to the enemy's movements, our security will be left defenseless. We carry out operations with this sense of urgency."
During the subsequent meeting with soldiers, President Yoon said, "As the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, I thought I should take good care of you so that you can focus solely on maximizing combat power," and added, "Seeing your confidence and dignified appearance, I realized this is true patriotism and love for the homeland, family, and people." He continued, "The Republic of Korea has such young people, so the older generation must take more responsibility to open your future," emphasizing, "Because of you, our country is sustainable and I am confident it can develop further in the future."
Meanwhile, the visit to the unit was accompanied by Defense Minister Lee Jong-seop, Army Chief of Staff Park Jeong-hwan, and from the Presidential Office, National Security Office Director Cho Tae-yong, Chief of Public Relations Kim Eun-hye, First Deputy Director of the National Security Office Kim Tae-hyo, Public Relations Planning Secretary Lee Ki-jeong, National Policy Planning Secretary Kang Myung-gu, and spokesperson Lee Do-woon.
President Yoon Suk-yeol is meeting soldiers at an outpost of the 25th Army Division in Yeoncheon-gun, Gyeonggi-do, during the Chuseok holiday on the 1st and taking a commemorative photo together. [Photo by Yonhap News]
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