Shin Kyubaek Visits Combined Forces Command: "ROK-US Summit and SCM Agreements Must Be Implemented Swiftly"

On January 26, Minister of National Defense Shin Kyubaek visited the ROK-US Combined Forces Command for his first field inspection of the new year, stating, "Based on the achievements of the ROK-US summit and the Security Consultative Meeting (SCM) held in October last year, we must further specify and swiftly implement the agreed matters this year."

Minister Shin visited the Combined Forces Command at Camp Humphreys in Gyeonggi Province and discussed major security issues with Commander Xavier Brunson. He said, "The reason I chose to visit Camp Humphreys before anywhere else this new year is because a robust combined defense posture is more important than ever," emphasizing his point.

After receiving a direct briefing on the status of combined defense operations, Minister Shin stated, "The Combined Forces Command is the heart of the ROK-US alliance and is the key organization that embodies the alliance spirit of 'We Go Together' not just in words but through action." He added, "Each and every ROK and US service member performing their duties together is a central player in our combined defense."

He continued, "In a rapidly changing security environment, our 'Fight Tonight' readiness posture must never waver, even for a moment," and urged, "In 2026, I hope the Combined Forces Command will play a central role in further strengthening the combined defense posture, which is our core mission, and in maintaining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula."

On this day, Minister Shin met with ROK and US service members to offer New Year's greetings and expressed his gratitude, saying, "The dedication and hard work of ROK and US troops, standing shoulder to shoulder and focusing on their duties, are providing real support for peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula."

Minister Shin concluded, "The ROK-US alliance will become even stronger when ROK and US service members, as a perfect One Team, accomplish their assigned missions based on mutual trust," and urged everyone to do their utmost in carrying out their duties.