Opening Remarks at the Confirmation Hearing... Minister Shin Won-sik Upholds the Slogan
Kim Yong-hyun, the nominee for Minister of National Defense, stated on the 2nd that if North Korea provokes, it will be firmly retaliated against with the "Immediate, Strong, and Final Principle" to ensure that provocations never happen again. Kim made this remark during his opening statement at the confirmation hearing held by the National Assembly's National Defense Committee that morning.
The Immediate, Strong, and Final Principle is a slogan introduced by Shin Won-sik, the Minister of National Defense (currently concurrently serving as Director of the National Security Office), when he took office last October, signifying a tough response to North Korean provocations. Kim also expressed his intention to carry on this principle.
Kim emphasized, "We will build overwhelming defense capabilities and posture so that the enemy dares not provoke," adding, "We will deter North Korean provocations by establishing a firm security posture based on strong mental resilience." He also stated, "We will strengthen combined South Korea-U.S. exercises and training, and proactively integrate the extended deterrence capabilities of the South Korea-U.S. alliance, which has been elevated to a nuclear-based alliance."
Under the banner of "Building a Proud Science and Technology Strong Military," Kim declared, "We will transition our military to unmanned combat systems at an early stage," and added, "Through structural improvements characterized by low manpower, low cost, and high efficiency, we will reduce troop numbers but create a stronger fighting force."
He also promised a revolutionary improvement in the service conditions of soldiers. After mentioning the poor conditions of military officers' accommodations, Kim diagnosed, "The base pay for newly commissioned officers and non-commissioned officers does not even reach the minimum wage of our citizens. Various allowances are unreasonably low compared to similar occupations, and moving expenses are insufficient despite frequent relocations, forcing them to use their hard-earned savings."
He added, "We cannot ask them to risk their lives to protect the safety of our citizens in emergencies while neglecting such poor conditions. We will improve the service conditions and treatment of 500,000 soldiers so that military service becomes a source of pride and a coveted goal."
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