"From a Manpower-Heavy Army of the Past to a Specialized Elite Smart Force"
South Korea Ranks Fifth in Global Military Power... Excessive Reliance on Foreign Troops Called a "Submissive Mindset"
"Comprehensive National Power Must Be Strengthened, In
President Lee Jaemyung stated that the era of relying solely on troop numbers has passed, declaring, "On the foundation of economic recovery and national unity, I will swiftly establish a fully self-reliant national defense posture through robust defense reforms, so that the public need not worry." He also recalled the late former President Roh Moo-hyun, who criticized the perception that, in a country spending so much on defense, national security would be impossible without foreign troops, even using the harsh term "ttongbyeol" (a derogatory term for incompetent generals).
On September 21, President Lee posted a message on Facebook titled "Opening the Path to Strong Self-Reliant National Defense," outlining these points.
President Lee explained, "With just 50 soldiers equipped with advanced unmanned and manned integrated weapon systems-such as AI combat robots capable of autonomous detection, decision-making, targeting, and firing, armed autonomous drones, and ultra-precise offensive and defensive missiles-we can handle not just 100 but tens of thousands of enemy troops." He emphasized, "The Republic of Korea's military must be reorganized from a conscription-based, manpower-heavy force into a competent and specialized elite smart military, armed with integrated unmanned and manned systems."
He further stated, "Although our standing army is smaller than North Korea's, we have 2.6 million reservists who have completed their service, continue to train, and are ready for immediate deployment." He continued, "Our annual defense budget is about 1.4 times North Korea's entire GDP. We rank fifth in global military strength, have an economy dozens of times larger than North Korea's, and our population is more than twice as large. We are recognized worldwide as a cultural powerhouse and a leader in the defense industry."
He also expressed his determination to ensure that the nation is never invaded again and never dependent on others. President Lee wrote, "While the demographic issue is serious and there is a current shortage of available manpower, there is no need to worry about our national defense simply by comparing the absolute numbers of standing troops." He added, "We will strengthen our comprehensive national power, including economic and cultural capabilities, increase the defense budget, reorganize into a high-morale, smart elite force, vigorously foster the defense industry, and secure a multilateral security cooperation system through enhanced security diplomacy."
Additionally, President Lee criticized the submissive mindset of believing that self-reliant national defense is impossible without foreign troops, despite possessing military strength, defense capability, and national power recognized by the world.
President Lee remarked, "Humanity is experiencing the longest period of peace and coexistence in history. However, as low growth and extreme polarization intensify, the world is moving beyond conflict and confrontation toward large-scale armed clashes." He continued, "We must not be drawn into external military conflicts, nor should our security be threatened. This is why strong, autonomous, self-reliant national defense is our most important task at this time."
He concluded, "We have rapidly developed to a level that astonishes the world by turning crises into opportunities through the collective strength of our people. Our citizens have overcome the highest powers with candles and cheering sticks." He added, "I am reminded of President Roh Moo-hyun, who criticized the notion that, in a country spending so much on defense, national security would be impossible without foreign troops, even using the harsh term 'ttongbyeol' (a derogatory term for incompetent generals)."
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