Acting Defense Minister, All-Army Commanders Meeting "Firm Posture Toward North Korea"

Order to Strengthen Operational and Service Discipline

Acting Minister of National Defense Kim Seon-ho held a meeting of key commanders of the entire military on the 4th, four days after former President Yoon Seok-yeol was dismissed, ordering the strengthening of operational and service discipline.

The Ministry of National Defense announced that Acting Minister Kim presided over the meeting of key commanders of the entire military at the Ministry of National Defense building in Yongsan, Seoul, that afternoon. Key officials of the Ministry of National Defense, including department and bureau chiefs, attended the meeting in person, while major military officials such as the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Chiefs of Staff of each service participated via video teleconference (VTC).

Yonhap News

Acting Minister Kim stated, “Recognizing the gravity of the current situation, we must ensure the safety of the people and establish a firm military readiness posture against North Korea,” and instructed, “To this end, the entire military must strengthen operational and service discipline.”

Specifically, he ordered general-level commanders and department heads to maintain thorough readiness posture, integrate the available units of each service (inspection, audit, military police, safety, etc.), and conduct focused inspections of vulnerable areas.

Acting Minister Kim emphasized again, “Through strengthening operational and service discipline, planned operational activities and training exercises must be carried out without disruption while strictly adhering to the obligation of political neutrality,” adding, “Commanders must prioritize the safety of the people and soldiers by thoroughly verifying the safety management system on site before implementation.”

Furthermore, Acting Minister Kim said, “Above all, we must further solidify the ROK-U.S. combined defense posture in preparation for the possibility that North Korea may take advantage of our domestic situation to carry out unexpected provocations, and maintain an overwhelming retaliatory posture without any gaps,” and instructed, “All soldiers must unwaveringly devote themselves to the military’s fundamental mission of protecting the lives and property of the people.”