South Chungcheong Province, SOUTH KOREA – South Chungcheong Province reaffirmed its commitment to national security and its growing role as a hub for defense industries during the 57th Anniversary of Reserve Forces Day celebrations held at the provincial government office in Bucheon. The joint event, hosted by the province and the Republic of Korea (ROK) Army's 32nd Infantry Division, brought together over 680 reservists and dignitaries from South Chungcheong, Daejeon, and Sejong to commemorate the establishment of the reserve forces and pledge enhanced regional defense capabilities.

Key figures in attendance included South Chungcheong Governor Kim Tae-heum, Major General Kim Ji-myeon, commander of the 32nd Infantry Division – a unit recently recognized with the 2025 Presidential Unit Citation for its exemplary regional defense efforts – Yoo Deuk-won, Administrative Vice Mayor of Daejeon, Kim Ha-gyun, Administrative Vice Mayor of Sejong, and Lim Joon-mo, Commissioner of the Daejeon and South Chungcheong Military Manpower Administration.

The ceremony featured pre-event performances, the presentation of commendations to individuals who have made significant contributions to regional security and the development of the reserve forces, and the reading of a resolution emphasizing the crucial role of reservists and the necessity of close collaboration among civilian, government, military, police, and fire authorities for a robust integrated defense system.

Governor Kim Tae-heum, in his congratulatory address, lauded the unwavering readiness of reserve forces commanders and the dedicated women who have volunteered for reserve duty, particularly those with special forces backgrounds. He highlighted South Chungcheong's strategic importance, stating, "As a national defense capital, South Chungcheong is at the forefront of shaping the future of our nation's defense, and we are actively strengthening our integrated local defense posture in close cooperation with the military."

Governor Kim further elaborated on the province's proactive initiatives to bolster its defense ecosystem. These include the establishment of the National Defense Future Technology Research Center in Nonsan and the Future Aviation Research Center in Taean. The former will focus on advancing artificial intelligence and unmanned robotic systems for military applications, while the latter will spearhead research and development in unmanned aerial vehicle technology.

Adding to this robust infrastructure is the development of the Nonsan National Defense Industrial Complex, the first in South Korea to be primarily centered on power support systems for the military. The province also has strategic plans to cultivate Konyang University as a leading institution in the defense industry, fostering a skilled workforce and driving innovation.

In a recent move to enhance immediate defense capabilities, South Chungcheong Province and the 32nd Infantry Division have jointly implemented a Drone Defense System in the Boryeong area. This proactive measure underscores the region's commitment to addressing evolving security threats.

Governor Kim pledged continued strong support for military-civilian cooperation projects, including the modernization of tactical heliport facilities and the procurement of essential equipment and supplies for local defense operations. He emphasized the vital role of both active-duty personnel and reservists within the 32nd Division, encouraging the reserve forces to maintain their high level of preparedness.

During the awards segment, twelve individuals were recognized for their dedication, including Jo Sung-geun, a 5th-grade Boryeong City Regional Commander within the 32nd Division. The subsequent reading of the resolution underscored the collective commitment to enhancing the reserve forces' capabilities and strengthening the integrated defense posture to ensure regional stability.

Major General Kim Ji-myeon, Commander of the 32nd Infantry Division, affirmed the division's commitment to ensuring that reservists are well-prepared to serve as key pillars of local defense in times of crisis.

This event underscores South Chungcheong Province's growing prominence as a national defense hub, marked by significant investments in defense technology, industry, and the readiness of its reserve forces. The collaborative spirit between the provincial government, the military, and local communities signals a unified approach to safeguarding the region and contributing to national security.