Minister Shin Won-sik: "North Korea May Provoke to Divert Discontent Over Food Shortage"

At the All-Forces Commanders' Meeting: "Punishment According to the 'Immediate, Strong, Final' Principle"

Minister of National Defense Shin Won-sik stated, "North Korea is highly likely to carry out direct provocations to divert internal dissatisfaction related to food shortages and economic difficulties outward."

On the morning of the 2nd, Shin Won-sik, Minister of National Defense, presided over the "Readiness Establishment" operational commanders' meeting at the Ministry of National Defense building, attended by key officials from the Ministry of National Defense and the Joint Chiefs of Staff, emphasizing a firm military readiness posture.

At the All-Army Operations Commanders Meeting held on the 2nd at the Ministry of National Defense building in Yongsan, Minister Shin said, "North Korea is raising the level of nuclear threats by enshrining 'preemptive nuclear use legislation' followed by 'nuclear weapon advancement' in its constitution." He added, "There were beliefs in some quarters that North Korea could change, but it has been proven to be a complete illusion and vain hope," and criticized, "The enemy never changes, yet we are responding defensively." This appears to be an indirect reference to the need to suspend the effectiveness of the September 19 Inter-Korean Military Agreement, which adversely affects military readiness.

Minister Shin continued, "Strong combat power comes from an offensive mindset. With an offensive mindset, if the enemy provokes, respond according to the principle of 'Immediate, Strong, and Final' (즉·강·끝)." He also mentioned Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the war between Israel and the Palestinian armed group Hamas, urging a firm military readiness posture against the enemy's tactical surprise provocations.

The meeting was attended by key officials from the Ministry of National Defense and the Joint Chiefs of Staff, while commanders such as the Operations Commander, Corps Commanders, Fleet Commander, and Drone Operations Commander participated via video conference.

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