The Special Committee on North Korean Nuclear Crisis Response Holds First Meeting on the 26th: "Situation Serious, All Possibilities Open"

"Seeking Practical Solutions for North Korean Nuclear Threat"
Focus on Early Establishment and Strengthening of 'Korean-style 3-Axis System'

On the morning of the 17th, Jeong Jin-seok, Emergency Response Committee Chairman of the People Power Party, presented the appointment letter for the Special Committee on North Korean Nuclear Crisis Response to Assemblyman Han Ki-ho before the Emergency Response Committee meeting held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul. / Photo by the National Assembly Press Corps [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Hee-jun] The People Power Party's Special Committee on North Korean Nuclear Crisis Response will hold its first meeting since its launch on the 26th to devise measures to respond to the North Korean nuclear threat. Attention is focused on whether concrete plans regarding the ruling party's proposal for redeploying tactical nuclear weapons will be discussed.

Han Ki-ho, chairman of the Special Committee on North Korean Nuclear Crisis Response, said in a phone interview with Asia Economy on the 25th, "We decided to hold the first meeting on the 26th," adding, "Since experts will participate, we will examine all issues." Regarding the redeployment of tactical nuclear weapons and related matters, he showed a cautious response, emphasizing the importance of the U.S. position.

The special committee plans to focus primarily on devising realistic measures to respond to the North Korean nuclear threat.

Im Ho-young, former deputy commander of the ROK-U.S. Combined Forces Command and a member of the special committee, said, "We will discuss budget issues for strengthening weapon systems, power, training, and cooperation with the U.S." Regarding nuclear armament plans, he stressed, "Although the U.S. has shown a negative stance, given the unprecedented escalation of North Korea's provocations, possibilities such as redeployment of tactical nuclear weapons or permanent deployment of U.S. strategic assets should also be kept open."

Another special committee member, Park Hwi-rak, professor at the Graduate School of Political Science at Kookmin University, said, "Regardless of the issue of justification, the situation is serious enough to consider all available options," adding, "We will put all measures to enhance deterrence against North Korea on the table, but focus on finding practical measures that can be implemented immediately."

Earlier, Shin Won-sik, vice chairman of the special committee and a member of the People Power Party, stated at the time of the committee's establishment that "completion of the Korean-style 3-axis system is urgent," lending weight to expectations that plans to establish and strengthen the 3-axis system to respond to North Korea's nuclear and missile threats will be promoted early.

The "Korean-style 3-axis system" is a defense measure that suppresses North Korean missiles in three stages: ▲Kill Chain ▲Korean Air and Missile Defense (KAMD) ▲Korea Massive Punishment and Retaliation (KMPR). The government plans to allocate 30.5 trillion won over the next five years. This plan is likely to be accelerated. Specifically, it includes the introduction of next-generation fighter jets, missile defense strategies, and military reconnaissance satellites.

The special committee plans to finalize the agenda and specific schedule for future discussions at the first meeting. In addition to those mentioned, the committee includes members such as Representative Tae Young-ho, former head of the Defense Intelligence Headquarters Kim Hwang-rok, former Dong-A Ilbo editorial writer Lee Jung-hoon, former Blue House National Security Office security strategy secretary Jeon Seong-hoon, former Korea Defense Research Institute researcher Cheon Myeong-guk, and former president of the Korean Nuclear Policy Association Han Yong-seop.

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