New ROK-US Combined Forces Commander Emphasizes 'ROK-US-Japan Security Cooperation'

by Yang Nakgyu

Published 09 Jan.2025 14:26(KST)

Commander J.B. Brunson's First Visit to the Joint Chiefs of Staff Headquarters

Newly appointed Commander of the ROK-US Combined Forces Command, Javier Brunson, visited the Joint Chiefs of Staff for the first time on the 9th.

Yonhap News

According to the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Chairman Kim Myung-soo held a welcoming ceremony for Commander Brunson at the Ministry of National Defense parade ground on the same day and discussed current issues in the ROK-US alliance. Chairman Kim stated, "North Korea is highly likely to carry out strategic provocations to create a favorable external environment," adding, "Maintaining a state of readiness under close cooperation between the ROK and the US is more important than ever."

Commander Brunson emphasized the continuation of security cooperation among South Korea, the United States, and Japan, saying, "It is important to maintain the momentum of trilateral exercises," and "Regional stability depends on the continuously developing ROK-US-Japan security cooperation."

Chairman Kim and Commander Brunson agreed to strengthen ROK-US coordination and cooperation through regular and continuous communication and to work together to maintain combined defense readiness. Commander Brunson, who concurrently serves as the Commander of United States Forces Korea and the United Nations Command, assumed office on the 20th of last month.