Jeong Gyeong-du Defense Minister: "If North Korea Provokes, We Will Respond Without Hesitation"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yang Nak-gyu]Defense Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo warned, "If North Korea ultimately carries out a military provocation, the military will respond strongly without hesitation."

On the 18th, Minister Jeong, in a congratulatory speech at the "6.25 War Allied Nations Ambassadors Invitation Event" held by the Federation of Korean Industries at the Army Hall, pointed out, "Recently, North Korea destroyed the inter-Korean joint liaison office citing the leaflet distribution by civilian groups as a reason," adding, "They have betrayed the expectations of all those who wish for peace on the Korean Peninsula."

He also warned North Korea, which is escalating military tensions by signaling the termination of the September 19 inter-Korean military agreement, saying, "The military takes the current situation very seriously."

He continued, "Yesterday, the spokesperson of the North Korean General Staff mentioned that the 'military action plan will be ratified,' indicating a highly tense situation," and said, "We will maintain a firm military readiness posture and stable situation management to prevent the escalation of military crises."

Meanwhile, at the event, Minister Jeong paid tribute to the UN forces veterans who died in the 6.25 War, stating, "The UN forces made remarkable contributions alongside the Republic of Korea Army in defeating communist forces."

Minister Jeong added, "On June 25, 1950, due to North Korea's surprise invasion, the Republic of Korea faced a crisis like a candle in the wind," and "Sixteen countries dispatched combat troops and made remarkable contributions to defeating the communist forces."

He also emphasized, "The Republic of Korea is leading global quarantine efforts amid the COVID-19 crisis," and "It has been officially invited as a member to the G7 summit and is establishing itself as one of the leading countries shaping the new world order in the 'post-COVID-19 era.'"

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