Lee Jong-seop "The Korean Peninsula is in a Very Serious Situation... Realizing the US Extended Deterrence Commitment"

Defense Minister Lee Jong-seop is attending the full meeting of the Special Committee on Budget and Accounts held at the National Assembly on the 19th. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] Defense Minister Lee Jong-seop evaluated, "Recently, preparations for the 7th nuclear test by North Korea have even been identified, making the security situation on the Korean Peninsula extremely serious," and stated, "We will further strengthen our military's Korean-style 3-axis system."

At the party-government council held on the 8th to review North Korea's missile launches and other developments, Minister Lee said, "To respond to North Korea's nuclear missile threat, we will enhance the execution capability of the U.S. extended deterrence commitment," effectively acknowledging the future permanent deployment of U.S. strategic weapons.

South Korea and the U.S. have agreed through a summit to reactivate the high-level Extended Deterrence Strategy and Consultation Group (EDSCG) as soon as possible. Once the EDSCG discussions are in full swing, if North Korea provokes with ICBMs or other provocations, U.S. strategic assets will be frequently deployed on the Korean Peninsula. The deployment of U.S. strategic assets on the Peninsula can demonstrate a strong warning and determination to respond to North Korea.

Minister Lee also explained the reason for the joint surface-to-surface missile firing and aerial show of force, stating, "This year, North Korea has carried out 18 provocations, including intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs)." He added, "Especially last Sunday (the 5th), they simultaneously launched multiple rocket launchers and multiple ballistic missiles from several locations." He continued, "We demonstrated the capability and posture to immediately conduct precision strikes not only on the origin points of North Korean provocations in case of emergency but also on command and support forces."

Minister Lee emphasized, "Our military is closely monitoring signs of additional provocations by North Korea and maintaining thorough readiness," and stated, "We will respond immediately and decisively to any provocations by North Korea."

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