Ministry of National Defense: "Military Readiness Firm... Inter-Korean Military Agreement Must Be Strictly Observed" (Comprehensive)

Defense Minister Jeong Kyeong-du, Emergency Meeting in the Morning

Wanggeon Ship Departing from the Navy Busan Operational Base in 2018

On the 14th, the Ministry of National Defense stated, "Our military is maintaining a firm military readiness posture to prepare for all situations."

Regarding the statement by Kim Yo-jong, First Deputy Director of the Workers' Party of Korea, who announced military actions against the South the previous day, the Ministry emphasized, "The 'September 19 Military Agreement' must be strictly observed to establish peace on the Korean Peninsula and prevent accidental clashes."

They added, "We are taking the current situation very seriously and are closely monitoring the movements of the North Korean military."

Earlier that day, Defense Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo reportedly convened an emergency internal meeting to review readiness and discuss future measures.

Until now, the Ministry of National Defense had effectively conveyed its stance through the Ministry of Unification regarding North Korea's mentions of terminating the military agreement and cutting off military communication lines. The issuance of a separate statement this time emphasizing adherence to the military agreement suggests that the current situation is considered particularly serious.

In her statement the previous day, First Deputy Director Kim declared that it was time to make a "definite break" with the South and effectively formalized plans for military action.

Kim stated, "It seems the time has come to decisively sever ties with the South Koreans," and claimed, "We will soon take the next step in action."

She further threatened, "Exercising the authority granted to me by the Chairman, the Party, and the State, I have instructed the departments related to anti-South operations to carry out the next step of action," adding, "The authority to execute the next anti-South action will be handed over to our military's General Staff."

She emphasized, "I believe our military will also decide and carry out something that will somewhat alleviate the people's anger," effectively signaling impending military action against the South.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.