Kim Yong-hyun Appointed Minister of National Defense: "Severe Consequences if Enemy Provokes"

"Emphasizing the Establishment of Overwhelming Defense Posture and Capabilities"

Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun stated, "We will establish an overwhelming defense posture and capability to deter the enemy from daring to provoke us."

At the inauguration ceremony held on the afternoon of the 6th at the Ministry of National Defense building in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Minister Kim continued, "Nevertheless, if they provoke us, we will make them pay a terrible price based on the 'Immediate, Strong, Final' principle." He emphasized, "The 'Final' in 'Immediate, Strong, Final' refers to the North Korean regime and leadership. If they provoke, they will face the 'end of the regime.'"

Minister Kim stated, "We will proactively develop the extended deterrence capabilities of the ROK-U.S. alliance, which has been elevated to a nuclear-based alliance," and added, "We will thoroughly prepare for new battlefield environments such as hybrid warfare, cyber, space, and electronic warfare."

He also said, "We will transition the military to an unmanned combat system at an early stage," emphasizing, "By improving to a low-manpower, low-cost, and high-efficiency structure, the number of troops will decrease, but the combat power will become stronger." Minister Kim pledged, "We will drastically improve the service conditions and treatment of soldiers," and added, "Military service will not only be a source of pride and admiration but also the most rewarding moment in one's life."

On the same day, the farewell ceremony for Minister Shin Won-sik was also held. Former Minister Shin, who moved to the position of Director of the National Security Office, reflected on his tenure in his farewell speech, saying, "I developed the ROK-U.S. alliance and established ROK-U.S.-Japan security cooperation. I also strengthened global security cooperation with UN Command member countries, NATO, and other like-minded allies." He continued, "Now, I am truly leaving the Ministry of National Defense and the military, where I have spent my entire career," and said, "As the Director of the National Security Office, I will strive to ensure that our military's defense capabilities lead to strong security, national economic development, and improvement of people's livelihoods."