Visit to Hyeonchungsa on the 480th Anniversary of Admiral Yi Sunshin's Birth
Establishment of a Presidential National Maritime Committee
as an Integrated Organization for Maritime Economy and Security Policy
Improving Treatment of Military Officers through Salary Adjustments
Based on Civilian-Military Comparisons
Creation of a Defense Industry Secretary in the Presidential Office
to Oversee Defense Exports
Han Donghoon, former leader and presidential primary candidate of the People Power Party, announced a series of national defense policy pledges on April 28, marking the 480th anniversary of Admiral Yi Sunshin's birth. His pledges include the establishment of a Presidential National Maritime Committee, the development of nuclear-powered submarines and nuclear potential, the creation of a four-axis defense system, the appointment of a Defense Industry Secretary in the Presidential Office, and a leap toward becoming a global leader in aerospace technology based on defense artificial intelligence (AI).
After paying respects at Hyeonchungsa in Asan, South Chungcheong Province, on the morning of April 28, Han stated, "Just as Admiral Yi did, I too am determined to stand and fight to the death to protect Korea in times of crisis," as he unveiled the fourth installment of his policy vision focused on national defense and security strategy.
With the United States and China now locked in fierce competition over maritime power, Han proposed the creation of a Presidential National Maritime Committee as an integrated body for maritime economy and maritime security policy, aiming to strengthen Korea's maritime sovereignty. He explained, "Even now, our maritime sovereignty is threatened by China's 'West Sea Project' and disputes over maritime boundaries. Korea is a maritime nation surrounded by sea on three sides," adding, "At a time when the importance of maritime power, including shipbuilding and shipping, is greater than ever, we must further strengthen our maritime security."
Han also pledged to introduce nuclear-powered submarines and secure independent nuclear potential at a level comparable to Japan, in order to counter North Korea's advancement of asymmetric weapons. He intends to promote a Korea-U.S. nuclear alliance that encompasses both economic and industrial sectors, and to propose mutually beneficial negotiations that would allow Korea to acquire enrichment and reprocessing technology.
His national defense and security pledges also include the establishment of a Korean-style four-axis system, which adds cyber-electronic and information warfare capabilities to paralyze North Korea's nuclear command and control system upon detection of signs of nuclear use. This builds on the existing three-axis system: Kill Chain, Korean Air and Missile Defense (KAMD), and Massive Punishment and Retaliation.
Han announced pledges to improve the treatment of military personnel, including increasing duty and various allowances for junior and mid-level officers, and introducing a Korean-style Quadrennial Review of Military Compensation (QRMC) to regularly adjust salaries by comparing military and civilian compensation.
He also introduced plans to establish a Defense Industry Secretary in the Presidential Office to support defense exports. Han emphasized, "It is no exaggeration to say that K-defense is experiencing its greatest boom ever, but related tasks are scattered across various ministries, leading to inefficiency. I will create a control tower that integrates the main responsible ministries for defense industry matters, so that the President can directly conduct the K-defense export orchestra."
He further explained plans to actively implement a system for coordinated teamwork among embassies, government agencies, and defense companies in major defense export markets; to establish a dedicated fund management account for exclusive financial support of defense exports; to promptly pursue the conclusion of a Reciprocal Defense Procurement Agreement (RDP-A) with the United States to target the U.S. market; and to promote exemption of technology fees when establishing corporations and production facilities in the Middle East and Europe.
Additionally, Han announced plans to focus investment on fostering new defense industries utilizing Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies such as AI, space and satellites, drones, and robots, through the formation of R&D consortia involving the Agency for Defense Development, domestic defense companies, and private research institutes.
Han stated, "Even in the face of national collapse, Admiral Yi's courage and determination to fight the enemy with only twelve ships provides a great lesson for us today. Admiral Yi thought only of the people and the nation," adding, "Like Admiral Yi Sunshin's resolve during the Imjin War, I will do whatever it takes to safeguard the security of the people and the nation."
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