President Lee Jae-myung said on the 27th that while the ironclad South Korea-U.S. alliance is an essential element for peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, excessive dependence is taboo, adding that the government will expedite the recovery of wartime operational control. The aim is to strengthen South Korea-led operational planning and command capabilities to enhance deterrence against North Korea. As the war involving the United States, Israel, and Iran spreads across the Middle East and security uncertainty grows, Lee has recently emphasized the importance of self-reliant defense multiple times in public.
In the afternoon, Lee presided over the all military major commanders' meeting at the Ministry of National Defense and said that the global security environment is fundamentally changing as the international situation shifts rapidly. He continued, asking that for the peace and prosperity of the Republic of Korea, in any situation, the military strengthen its responsibility and resolve to perfectly protect the territory and the people with our own strength, adding that such a mindset will expedite the recovery of wartime operational control.
In particular, he said the Russia-Ukraine war is entering its fifth year, and the Middle East war marks its 28th day today. He noted that North Korea has recently begun work to mark border lines in areas along the Military Demarcation Line within the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone), adding that the top responsibility of our military is to establish a military readiness posture capable of responding to any provocation and threat by the enemy. He also asked that, based on the South Korea-U.S. alliance, the military maintain a strong combined defense posture.
He also called for reforming the conscription system, including a selective volunteer system. Noting that battlefields in many countries have recently shifted rapidly into technology warfare, Lee said that to pursue the future battlefield, a transition to a smart, strong military is also essential. He then said he wants defense reform, including a selective volunteer system, to be accelerated.