[New Year's Message] Ahn Gyu-baek: "Thorough Preparation for FOC Verification to Restore Wartime Operational Control"

On January 2, Minister of National Defense Ahn Gyu-baek stated, "This year's verification of the Full Operational Capability (FOC) of the Future Combined Forces Command is a critical process that will demonstrate to the public and the world that the Republic of Korea possesses the practical capabilities to lead security on the Korean Peninsula, based on the strong ROK-US alliance." He added, "I hope all service members will thoroughly prepare with a united spirit, fully recognizing the national significance and historical mission contained in the restoration of wartime operational control."

Yonhap News

In his New Year's message posted on social media on this day, Minister Ahn said, "The year 2026 will be a watershed moment for rebuilding the people's military and a historic year when the national defense reform roadmap of the government of national sovereignty will be fully implemented."

Regarding recent developments, Minister Ahn pointed out, "The uncertainty of the security environment we face is growing day by day. North Korea is escalating its nuclear and missile threats, as demonstrated by its recent public disclosure of nuclear submarine construction. Furthermore, the battlefield is expanding to encompass all domains, including space and cyberspace."

He continued, "The irreversible realities of advances in cutting-edge science and technology, paradigm shifts in warfare, and a sharp decline in military manpower are fundamentally shaking the very foundations of our military's operational concepts and methods of combat. Therefore, restructuring our future military force is not a choice but an urgent matter of survival that can no longer be delayed." He emphasized, "I urge you to muster all your will and capabilities with a sense of urgency, as this year represents the last 'golden time' to respond to the drastic decrease in military manpower."

Minister Ahn also addressed improvements to military service conditions, stating, "I will make the improvement of service conditions and treatment my top priority as Minister and take full responsibility until the end." He added, "Let us, with pride and honor in wearing the uniform, build a military that people want to join and never want to leave, with our own hands."

Minister Ahn concluded, "Now, let us devote our hearts and efforts to create a military trusted by the people in 2026, and on that foundation of trust, build an advanced, strong military. I will also stand at the forefront of this path and move forward with you to the very end."