Defense Minister nominee Kang Shin-cheol said on the 11th that he agrees with Minister Ahn Gyu-baek's assessment that "even if wartime operational control is retrieved tomorrow, there would be no major problem with us defending ourselves."
Kang said this in a written answer submitted to Yu Yong-weon of the People Power Party, a member of the National Defense Committee of the National Assembly, and added, "However, mutual trust in the South Korea-U.S. alliance must be ensured."
Minister Ahn said at the Future Defense Strategy Commission held on May 26 with President Lee Jae-myung in attendance, "Even if wartime operational control is retrieved tomorrow, there would be no major problem with us defending ourselves."
On discussions with the U.S. side over the conditions and timing for the transition of wartime operational control, Kang said, "Under the principle of prohibiting additional conditions, I understand that the Ministry of National Defense has pursued consultations with the United States," adding, "On the timing of the transition, the gap between South Korea and the United States is not large, and I understand that close consultations have been conducted through high-level talks."
He repeated the government's existing position, saying, "After taking office as Minister, I will prepare substantively so that at this year's Security Consultative Meeting (SCM) we can complete the verification of full operational capability (FOC) of the future Combined Forces Command and work so that the timing of the transition can be decided."
To the question, "Where do you think the main enemy of the Republic of Korea is?" he answered, "Forces that threaten the security of the Republic of Korea and the lives and property of the people can be called 'enemies.'"
He continued, "In that respect, the 'North Korean regime and the North Korean military,' which define the Republic of Korea as an 'enemy' and continue to impose military threats including nuclear weapons, are our enemy."
Regarding the authority to control the implementation and management of the armistice agreement, on which the current government shows some differences with the United Nations Command (UNC), he said, "Mutual efforts between South Korea and the UNC are needed to find a balance between the UNC's authority and our sovereignty."
When Kim Byung-joo of the Democratic Party of Korea asked his view on integrating the service academies, Kang answered, "I think integrating the service academies is necessary," adding, "There are clearly educational programs with values that must be pursued together in common."
He went on, "The essence of the transition of wartime operational control is for our military to have the capability to plan, decide, and conduct operations in wartime in a leading role," and explained, "This is completed by the capabilities of commanders and staff."
He added, "The establishment of the Korea Military Academy will serve as a cornerstone to lay the educational foundation for training officers with such command capabilities."
However, he said, "I am well aware that there has been much controversy for and against the integration plan for the service academies and that various voices are being raised," adding, "If I am entrusted with the duties of Minister, I will listen to voices from all walks of life, including cadets, test-takers, and parents, as we design specific measures."