Han Duck-soo on North Korea Provocations: "Clear Deterrence Must Be in Place to Prepare for the Worst-Case Scenario"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Sejong=Reporter Kim Hyewon] Prime Minister Han Duck-soo said on the 14th (local time) regarding North Korea's continued provocations, "There must be a clear deterrent power that does not have to pursue 'peace based on the opponent's conditions.'"

While on a tour of three South American countries, Prime Minister Han, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, the last country on his itinerary, responded to a question from accompanying reporters asking, "How seriously do you view North Korea's continued provocations?" by saying, "(The Korean Peninsula) should be peaceful, but we must also prepare for the worst-case scenario."

Prime Minister Han added, "It should not be based on expectations or on their (North Korea's) goodwill." His remarks are interpreted as meaning that amid the escalating security crisis on the Korean Peninsula due to North Korea's successive military provocations and nuclear threats, South Korea must also have corresponding deterrent capabilities.

Prime Minister Han said, "North Korea can do whatever it wants, but please refrain from doing things that are visibly apparent," and added, "Our government cannot go against international laws, but we will emotionally support as much as possible and try to maintain good relations." He further stated, "However, we cannot run the country based on 'peace according to the opponent's conditions.' Both President Yoon Seok-yeol and I think the same way," and added, "There must be self-reliant defense capabilities. That is why we invest."

Prime Minister Han emphasized the importance of the ROK-US alliance, saying, "There is actually no country that is solely responsible for its own national security. Even the United States, through the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), has NATO countries join if the U.S. is attacked, and we also have to help."

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