President Yoon's First Visit to the Ministry of National Defense and Joint Chiefs of Staff ... "Must Be a Pillar Protecting the People and Property"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Ki-min Lee] President Yoon Suk-yeol emphasized on the 30th, "Under any circumstances, our military must be a reliable pillar protecting the lives and property of the people."

On the morning of the same day, President Yoon visited the Ministry of National Defense and the Joint Chiefs of Staff buildings located next to the Yongsan Presidential Office building in Seoul to review the current security situation and the military's readiness posture, and to encourage the Ministry of National Defense and Joint Chiefs of Staff personnel who worked hard for the presidential office relocation.

First, key officials from the Ministry of National Defense and Joint Chiefs of Staff, including Minister of National Defense Lee Jong-seop and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Won In-chul, were present. Additionally, the Chiefs of Staff of each military branch, the Deputy Commander of the Combined Forces Command, and the Ground Operations Commander participated via video conference as President Yoon reviewed the military's readiness posture.

President Yoon stated that our security situation is severe and that without the military's dedication to national security, maintaining economic and social activities would be difficult, thus he ordered the firm maintenance of military readiness.

Regarding North Korea, which has repeatedly provoked through missile test launches and other acts, he said, "If North Korea provokes, we must respond firmly and strictly," adding, "To this end, soldiers must maintain a resolute mental readiness."

Furthermore, President Yoon urged, "Let us foster a science and technology-strong military based on artificial intelligence (AI) and establish personnel principles focused on ability and expertise," and requested, "Please create a military environment suitable for future generations so that young soldiers can have proud military service and satisfactory fulfillment of their duties."

Regarding the relocation of the presidential office to Yongsan, President Yoon said, "It is to create an open presidential office that communicates," and expressed gratitude to the Ministry of National Defense and Joint Chiefs of Staff personnel for enabling a government where the president and staff communicate and work together, and for making possible a blueprint where the public can naturally interact through Yongsan Park." On the day, President Yoon, who received an Air Force jumper as a gift, had lunch together at the Ministry of National Defense building's staff cafeteria.

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