Choi Sang-mok, acting president and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, said on the 12th, "Our military must grow into a high-tech scientific and technological force capable of actively responding to the rapidly changing battlefield environment where the subject of war is shifting from 'manned' to 'unmanned and combined combat systems.'"
Acting Prime Minister Choi noted in a congratulatory speech at the '73rd Graduation and Commissioning Ceremony of the Air Force Academy' at 2 p.m. that "the rapid advancement of science and technology, including the Fourth Industrial Revolution and artificial intelligence (AI), is changing the paradigm of warfare."
He said, "North Korea continues to enhance its nuclear missile capabilities while maintaining provocations and threats, and is threatening peace on the Korean Peninsula and globally through illegal arms dealings with Russia," adding, "At such times, our military must firmly maintain its military preparedness by fulfilling its roles and missions."
He continued, "Even at this moment when the event is taking place, U.S. and South Korean troops are dedicated to enhancing their combined defense capabilities through the 'Shield of Freedom Exercise,'" and he called for the Air Force, the core of U.S.-South Korea combined defense, to play its role effectively.
Acting Prime Minister Choi stated, "We will do our utmost to continuously improve the conditions so that the soldiers of the Armed Forces can serve with pride and dignity, ensuring that appropriate compensation is given," and added, "We will guarantee the best treatment so that our military's junior officers do not regret their decision to serve in the military."
In addition, Acting Prime Minister Choi addressed major commanders prior to the event regarding the recent incident of an air force fighter jet's accidental strike, saying, "The military exists to protect the lives and property of the people, so military activities must prioritize the safety of the public," and he urged that "military training and all unit activities should be conducted in a manner that ensures safety, so that citizens do not feel uneasy."