An Kyu-baek: "Nuclear Submarine a Milestone for Self-Reliant Defense... Kim Jong-un Won't Be Able to Sleep"

Defense Minister An Kyu-baek described the construction of a nuclear-powered submarine as a significant achievement for South Korea's self-reliant defense. He also predicted that it would become a strategic asset that would dramatically strengthen preparedness against North Korea.

Defense Minister An Kyu-baek is answering questions from the press at a joint press conference held after the 57th Security Consultative Meeting (SCM) between South Korea and the United States at the Ministry of National Defense building in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 4th. Photo by Joint Press Corps

In an interview on KBS Sunday Diagnosis on the 8th, Minister An said, "The dream of building a nuclear-powered submarine, which has been a wish of our military for 30 years, is now approaching reality." He added, "In theory, a nuclear-powered submarine can remain underwater indefinitely. Since it could appear from the east, west, or south at any time, Kim Jong-un will not be able to sleep peacefully." He further commented, "I believe the submarine's underwater endurance and speed will be quite unnerving."

When asked by the host whether it had been decided that the submarine hull would be built domestically and the fuel would be supplied by the United States, Minister An replied, "That is the current assessment. Since we have the technology, facilities, and security, domestic construction is the most reasonable option."

Minister An emphasized that achieving the transfer of wartime operational control (OPCON) during the current administration is a key objective. He stated, "At the recent Security Consultative Meeting (SCM) between South Korea and the United States, we confirmed significant progress toward OPCON transfer." He continued, "Of the three stages of verification for OPCON transfer, South Korea and the United States have agreed to complete the verification of Full Operational Capability (FOC), which is the second stage, next year." He further explained, "Once the second stage of verification is passed, the defense ministers of both countries will recommend to their presidents the year for verifying Full Mission Capability (FMC), which is the third stage. After that, the OPCON transfer process will proceed following a regional environmental assessment."

Regarding the delayed announcement of the South Korea-U.S. 'Joint Fact Sheet,' Minister An predicted that it would be released soon. He explained, "As the issue of building a nuclear-powered submarine has newly emerged, it seems additional time is needed for coordination among various U.S. government departments."

On security cooperation with Japan, he said, "Earlier this month, I met with the Japanese Defense Minister, and we agreed to respond actively and systematically to North Korea's nuclear and missile advancements, and also discussed mutual visits." However, he added, "Japan's subsequent actions have been disappointing." This was an indirect criticism of Japan's refusal to provide refueling support after raising an issue with a flight by the South Korean Air Force's special aerobatic team, the Black Eagles, over Dokdo.

Meanwhile, Minister An announced that the military will soon release a new round of general officer appointments. Regarding speculation that this would be the largest reshuffle since the dissolution of the Hanahoe faction during the Kim Young-sam administration, he said, "It is true that the scale is large, but not to that extent," and added, "Even if it is painful, we must remove those who are corrupt or problematic and establish a new command structure."