President Yoon: "Overwhelming Response Without Hesitation to Enemy Provocations"... Visits Marine Corps for Lunar New Year

Yoon "Preemptive Action, Report Afterwards, Completely Crushing Enemy Will"

President Yoon Suk-yeol is speaking during his visit to the command and control room of the Marine Cheongryong Unit (2nd Division) in Gimpo-si, Gyeonggi Province, on the Lunar New Year holiday, the 10th.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

President Yoon Suk-yeol visited the Marine Corps on the 10th to encourage the troops for the Lunar New Year and instructed, "In case of enemy provocation, respond firmly and overwhelmingly without a moment's hesitation according to the principle of 'action first, report later,' and completely crush the enemy's will."

The Presidential Office stated that President Yoon visited the Marine Cheongryong Unit (2nd Division) in the afternoon to inspect the military readiness posture and encourage the soldiers dedicated to vigilance operations at the frontline.

Upon arriving at the Marine Corps 2nd Division, President Yoon received a briefing on the military readiness status, held a meeting with the soldiers, and then visited the multiple rocket launcher unit. Upon arriving at the headquarters of the Marine Corps 2nd Division, President Yoon left the message "Patriotic Loyalty, Invincible Marine Cheongryong Unit" in the guestbook.

Next, at the division headquarters command and control room, President Yoon received a report on the military readiness status from Marine Corps 2nd Division Commander (Major General) Jeong Jong-beom, and expressed gratitude to the division soldiers who carry out their defense duties unwaveringly despite the Lunar New Year holiday and cold weather, according to spokesperson Kim Soo-kyung in a written briefing.

President Yoon explained, "The Marine Corps 2nd Division earned remarkable achievements in the Battle of Dosolsan during the Korean War and received the title 'Invincible Marine' from President Syngman Rhee. It is a historic unit that achieved brilliant results at the forefront during the Seoul liberation operation." He added, "It is reassuring that the division maintains a solid readiness posture befitting its tradition and honor," and urged, "I ask the military leadership to pay more attention and effort so that the soldiers can work under better conditions."

In particular, President Yoon instructed, "In case of enemy provocation, respond firmly and overwhelmingly without a moment's hesitation according to the principle of 'action first, report later,' and completely crush the enemy's will."

President Yoon also held a meeting with the soldiers at the barracks. He said, "Thanks to the soldiers who voluntarily enlisted in the Marine Corps and steadfastly guard the western frontline, the people can live with peace of mind. The Marine Corps has won victories with the spirit of the Invincible Marine in difficult battles such as the Incheon Landing Operation and the Battle of Dosolsan District, and this should be the spiritual strength of today's Marine Corps."

The soldiers proposed ▲ intensifying and expanding training opportunities ▲ managing interpreter specialists ▲ expanding career counseling programs to prepare for social advancement before discharge ▲ expanding financial education in line with salary increases. President Yoon instructed the Presidential Office and related ministries to actively review and promote these proposals.

Regarding the Request for Support of High-Intensity Training, Yoon Says, "It Seems National Fortune Will Prosper This Year"

President Yoon Suk-yeol visited the Marine Cheongryong Unit (2nd Division) in Gimpo-si, Gyeonggi Province, on the 10th, Lunar New Year holiday, to encourage the soldiers.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

When a soldier requested support to undergo high-intensity training, President Yoon said, "I have visited many units, but this is the first time I have heard a request for support for high-intensity training. It seems national fortune will prosper this year," praising the soldier's spirit.

On this day, to celebrate the Lunar New Year, President Yoon connected a 'surprise' video call with the soldiers' parents and exchanged greetings. President Yoon said, "You must miss them a lot, right? The soldiers are healthy and doing well. Please do not worry."

After the meeting, President Yoon visited the multiple rocket launcher strike system 'Cheonmu' position, received a report from Colonel Kim Ji-young, commander of the artillery brigade, and repeatedly instructed to maintain full readiness to respond immediately in case of enemy provocation.

He also personally encouraged the soldiers by shaking hands with them one by one at the 2nd Division headquarters review stand. At this occasion, President Yoon expressed his gratitude once again, saying, "Thanks to the soldiers working for national security even during the Lunar New Year holiday, the people and our families are able to enjoy a joyful holiday."

President Yoon promised, "As the commander-in-chief, I will support the Marine Corps soldiers so that they can serve with pride and good health."

Accompanying the visit were In Sung-hwan, Deputy Director of the National Security Office, and Choi Byung-ok, Defense Secretary.