Visiting the ROK-US Combined Forces Command Post After 10 Years... Yoon: "ROK-US Alliance Is the Root to Punish North Korean Provocations"

Checking the 'Eulji Freedom Shield' Exercise Situation and Encouraging ROK-US Troops
"Must Establish Strong Response Posture Assuming North Korea's Nuclear Use Scenario"

President Yoon Suk-yeol visited the Combined Forces Command (CP TANGO) of the ROK-US alliance on the 23rd, marking the first visit by a South Korean president in 10 years. He stated, "We will continue to firmly protect the security of the Republic of Korea by strengthening solidarity with UN Command member countries, with the strong ROK-US alliance as the core axis." In particular, President Yoon praised the capability of the ROK-US alliance as "the source of power to resolutely punish North Korea's provocations" and encouraged the ROK-US troops.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the same day, spokesperson Lee Do-woon announced in a written briefing, "On the third day of the ROK-US combined exercise, President Yoon visited the Combined Forces Command's wartime command post in the afternoon to review the current status of this year's Ulchi Freedom Shield (UFS) exercise." This visit is the first by a South Korean president since former President Park Geun-hye in 2013. Spokesperson Lee evaluated, "Along with President Yoon's resolute will to protect national security, the visit conveys a strong warning message against North Korea's tension-raising acts, reflecting the president's intention to deter North Korea's reckless provocations."

After receiving a briefing on the exercise situation in the briefing room, President Yoon said, "Since the establishment of the ROK-US Combined Forces Command in 1978, 'CP TANGO' has served as the brain commanding the land, sea, and air forces of both countries during wartime. The ROK-US combined staff participating in the joint exercises symbolizes the firmness of the ROK-US military alliance," expressing gratitude for the dedication and efforts of the ROK-US troops.

He continued, "North Korea's nuclear weapons and missiles are the most serious existing threats, and the nature of North Korea's provocations, including cyber warfare and psychological warfare, is becoming increasingly sophisticated and diversified," emphasizing, "At this time, the overwhelming capability of the ROK-US alliance, the realistic exercises and training of the ROK-US troops, and their firm mental preparedness are the source of power that deters North Korea's provocations and enables immediate and resolute retaliation if North Korea provokes."

President Yoon Suk-yeol visited the Combined Forces Command (CP TANGO) on the 23rd to review the Ulchi Freedom Shield (UFS) exercise situation and then took a commemorative photo with General Paul LaCamera, Commander of the ROK-U.S. Combined Forces Command, and others.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

Regarding the ROK-US exercise situation, he analyzed, "The scenario reflects North Korea's advanced nuclear and missile capabilities, focusing on substantially strengthening the ROK-US alliance's crisis management and response capabilities in the event of a rapid transition to a state of war within a short period." He also mentioned that about 8,000 ROK-US troops are participating during the exercise period, conducting 38 field maneuver trainings, stressing, "Only realistic exercises and training can further elevate the strong combined defense posture of the ROK-US alliance."

He also urged the establishment of a stronger response posture against North Korea's nuclear and missile threats. He ordered the preparation of military-level response plans to more effectively enhance the implementation of extended deterrence through the ROK-US Nuclear Consultative Group (NCG), stating, "We must establish a strong response posture combining the nuclear and non-nuclear forces of both countries, assuming a scenario of North Korea's nuclear use."

Meanwhile, following the briefing room visit, President Yoon also toured the Theater Operations Center (TOC), which monitors all operational situations within the Korean Peninsula operational area and oversees current operations, encouraging the ROK-US troops.

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