Emphasis on the Defensive Nature of the Exercise
"Inter-Korean Relations Are Crucial for National Interests"
Instructions to Prepare for Phased Implementation of Feasible Provisions from Existing Inter-Korean Agreements
Stressing the Need f
On August 18, President Lee Jaemyung presided over the Ulchi National Security Council (NSC) meeting and stated, "Inter-Korean relations are extremely important for safeguarding the national interests of the Republic of Korea and expanding our diplomatic space in the face of rapidly changing external circumstances." He also clarified that this year's Ulchi exercise is defensive in nature, aimed at protecting the lives and safety of the Korean people, and that there is no intention to attack North Korea or escalate tensions on the Korean Peninsula. President Lee further instructed the relevant ministries to prepare for the phased implementation of feasible provisions from existing inter-Korean agreements, such as the September 19 Inter-Korean Military Agreement.
On the 18th, Kang Yoojung, spokesperson for the Presidential Office, delivered a briefing at the Yongsan Presidential Office, stating, "President Lee emphasized that while peace achieved without fighting is the best outcome, we must also be prepared for the worst-case scenario. He instructed that the exercise should serve as a practical drill to protect the people and ensure national security during wartime." She reiterated, "This year's Ulchi exercise is defensive in nature, intended to protect the lives and safety of our people, and there is no intention to attack North Korea or heighten tensions on the Korean Peninsula." The meeting was attended by Prime Minister Kim Minseok, as well as the ministers of Foreign Affairs, Unification, National Defense, and Interior and Safety; National Intelligence Service Director Lee Jongseok; Chief of Staff Kang Hunsik; National Security Office Director Wi Sunglak; and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Kim Myungsoo.
Earlier that morning, during his opening remarks at the meeting, President Lee stressed the importance of efforts to improve inter-Korean relations, stating, "What is needed now is the courage to take steady steps to reduce tensions, grounded in maintaining an ironclad state of readiness." He added, "If small actions accumulate like pebbles, mutual trust will be restored, the path to peace will widen, and a foundation for joint growth between the two Koreas will be established." President Lee again instructed the relevant ministries to prepare for the phased implementation of feasible provisions from existing inter-Korean agreements.
The Ulchi exercise, conducted in conjunction with the South Korea-U.S. joint military drill Ulchi Freedom Shield (UFS), is an annual nationwide emergency preparedness drill organized by the government to protect the lives and property of the people in the event of war or a national emergency. This year, 580,000 people from 4,000 institutions are participating over four days and three nights, until August 21.
President Lee also noted that, as the concept of global security evolves, integrated security capabilities are required. He said, "The foremost duty of the state is to protect the lives and safety of its people. The international order is being restructured, new technologies such as artificial intelligence are rapidly advancing, and climate change is significantly altering security concepts. Beyond traditional military threats, we need integrated security capabilities to respond to complex crises involving intertwined economic, technological, and environmental factors." President Lee continued, "Truly effective security is about preserving peace. It is better to win without fighting than to win through conflict, and the most reliable security is a state of peace where there is no need to fight at all, as I have often said."
Regarding this, spokesperson Kang explained, "The meeting included an inspection of the nation's total war capabilities in preparation for wartime situations, as well as procedures for institutional transitions during war." She added, "President Lee called for an objective evaluation of the results of the Ulchi exercise and for the further development of the exercise plans."
Meanwhile, President Lee described K-culture as a new driving force for enhancing national power and requested that the relevant ministries formulate comprehensive measures related to K-content. He mentioned the recent global popularity of 'K-Pop Demon Hunters,' which has attracted large crowds to the National Museum of Korea and led to museum merchandise selling out daily. President Lee stated, "If peace is the foundation of economic stability, then K-culture is a new engine for strengthening national power. I ask the relevant ministries to develop comprehensive measures, including strategies for the global expansion and support of K-content, and the expansion of related infrastructure such as K-pop facilities, based on the 'arm's length principle' of providing support without interference."
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