Lim Jongdeuk: "Ahn Gyubaek Reverses Stance on OPCON and Defense Budget... No More Political Remarks"

On October 17, Assemblyman Lim Jongdeuk of the People Power Party stated that Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-baek has been shifting his stance on issues such as the transfer of wartime operational control and increases in the national defense budget, adding, "The Minister of National Defense should refrain from making any further political remarks or actions."

In a press release issued the same day, Assemblyman Lim said, "The Minister of National Defense should prioritize building a perfect state of readiness to deter enemy provocations and to retaliate immediately if they occur, in order to protect the lives and property of the people. However, Minister Ahn has reversed his positions on security-related matters, which has ultimately weakened our military's readiness posture."

Assemblyman Lim continued, "During the confirmation hearing on July 15, Minister Ahn stated that 'mutual agreement on conditions and fulfillment of those conditions are fundamental premises' for the transfer of wartime operational control. However, after President Lee Jaemyung emphasized the recovery of operational control at the Armed Forces Day ceremony on October 1, Minister Ahn recently claimed in an interview that the transfer of operational control is possible within the Lee Jaemyung administration's term and insisted that it must be carried out. He has thus contradicted his own words in just three months."

He also questioned whether the military's opinions were considered during this change in stance, stating, "The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said during the National Assembly audit that the timing and process of the transfer of operational control should take various conditions into account and that it is desirable to proceed when close preparations are made between South Korea and the United States. The Commander of United States Forces Korea also emphasized the need for a conditions-based transfer, warning that taking shortcuts to expedite the transfer could threaten our readiness posture."

Regarding whether there was a U.S. demand for an increase in the national defense budget, Assemblyman Lim pointed out, "In past government interpellations, Minister Ahn said, 'It was not requested by the U.S. side,' but in a recent interview, he stated, 'The increase to 3.5% of GDP was indeed a U.S. request.' This is another example of his ever-changing statements."

Assemblyman Lim concluded, "I am reminded of Admiral Yi Sun-sin's words: 'Do not act rashly; act with the gravity of a mountain.' The words and actions of the Minister of National Defense, who commands an army of 500,000, must be as solemn and consistent as an abstract principle. There should be no more behavior that causes the public to lose trust."

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