Prime Minister Kim Minseok: "We Must Prepare for New Security Threats Such as AI and Drones"

Ulchi Exercise Preparation Briefing

On August 5, Prime Minister Kim Minseok stated, "As seen in the Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Iran wars, advanced scientific technologies such as AI, drones, and cyber capabilities are increasingly being utilized in warfare, leading to new types of security threats. This is why we must enhance the government's emergency preparedness system by reviewing emergency response plans and mastering response procedures through government exercises linked with the South Korea-US joint military drills."

Prime Minister Minseok Kim is presiding over the Eulji Exercise preparation briefing meeting held at the annex of the Government Seoul Office in Jongno-gu, Seoul on August 5, 2025. Photo by Yonhap News

On this day, Prime Minister Kim presided over the 'Ulchi Exercise Preparation Briefing' at the Government Complex Seoul and emphasized, "This year's Ulchi Exercise will begin with an emergency assembly drill for public officials, followed by training to convert the administrative system into a wartime system, tabletop exercises for various scenarios, and practical training to respond to complex situations at key national facilities." The integrated Ulchi Exercise involving the public, private, and military sectors will be held for four days and three nights starting on August 18. The meeting was convened to review the preparations with central government, local government, and military officials ahead of the Ulchi Exercise.

Prime Minister Kim urged government officials, "As advanced scientific technologies are changing the nature of warfare, please pay special attention to ensure that the exercises are designed to prepare for new security threats. In the course of preparing for the Ulchi Exercise, please verify in advance that the Chungmu Plan is appropriately updated to reflect current realities, and make efforts to use this as an opportunity to enhance the government's emergency preparedness system." He added, "Please conduct practical training to respond to complex situations at key national facilities, reflecting recent security conditions, and include drills in which the public directly participates, so that both the government and the people can strengthen their emergency response capabilities and security awareness." He also encouraged participation in nationwide civil defense evacuation drills.

However, Prime Minister Kim noted, "During the Ulchi Exercise period, heat waves and heavy rainfall are expected," and he requested, "Please pay special attention to safety measures and accident prevention to ensure that no undue harm occurs as a result of the training."