Vice Minister of National Defense Lee Doo-hee said on the 27th, "I will use advanced technology of artificial intelligence (AI) to create overwhelming military power and work on strengthening Korea's defense capabilities and defense exports."
On that day, the Vice Minister stated at the inauguration ceremony of the Vice Minister of Defense held at the Yongsan Ministry of National Defense conference hall, "The public is paying attention to the changes in the military since the new government was launched," and added, "I will make every effort to ensure that the military can be reborn as a 'strong military that earns the trust of the people' and I will lead institutional changes and innovations so that we can be faithful to our essential mission and focus solely on the military's inherent duties."
The Vice Minister referred to Korea's security environment as a "critical juncture" and noted, "North Korea is strengthening its strategic ties with Russia while enhancing its nuclear and missile capabilities following the dispatch of troops to the Russia-Ukraine war," and stated, "Our military must push forward practical defense cooperation that contributes to fulfilling national interests while firmly establishing deterrence based on the Korea-U.S. alliance."
After the inauguration ceremony, the Vice Minister will serve as acting head of the Ministry of National Defense until the appointment of nominee Ahn Kyu-baek.
The Vice Minister was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1990 after graduating from the Army Academy's 46th class and served in the military for 34 years before retiring last year as a lieutenant general. During his service, he held positions such as the chief of the firepower department of the Korea-U.S. Combined Forces Command, commander of the 28th Division, Director General for Policy Planning at the Ministry of National Defense, commander of the 1st Corps, deputy commander of the Ground Operations Command, and commander of the Missile Strategy Command.
Former Vice Minister of National Defense Kim Sun-ho stated at the farewell ceremony held on that day, "The most essential requirement for the military to perform its inherent role is to maintain political neutrality," and added, "When politics intervenes, there is a high risk of undermining the essence." He continued, "The proclamation of emergency martial law on December 3rd undermined the political neutrality that the military must uphold," noting, "I still feel an immense sense of responsibility for not being able to prevent such acts and for not fulfilling my role."