President Lee Jae-myung emphasized a "self-reliant defense" posture on Friday, signaling a strategic shift toward reclaiming wartime operational control (OPCON) and modernizing the nation’s military into a future-oriented force.
During his first presiding of the Major Commanders' Conference at the Ministry of National Defense in Seoul on March 27, President Lee underscored that while the South Korea-U.S. alliance remains a cornerstone of regional stability, the nation must reduce its "excessive dependence" on foreign military power.
The Path to Sovereignty: OPCON Transfer and Responsibility
"To respond to the rapidly shifting security environment, self-reliant defense is not an option, but a necessity," President Lee told the assembled top brass. "While the ironclad South Korea-U.S. alliance is a vital element for peace on the Korean Peninsula, excessive reliance is forbidden. The recovery of wartime operational control will be pursued expeditiously."
The President linked the timeline of the OPCON transfer directly to the military's own resolve. He urged commanders to possess the "responsibility and determination" to protect the nation's territory and citizens through their own strength under any circumstances, stating that such a mindset is exactly what will "accelerate the recovery of operational control."
Building a "Smart" and Modernized Military
Beyond structural sovereignty, the President focused on technical and personnel reforms to keep pace with modern warfare. He called for a transition to a "Smart Strong Military" to dominate future battlefields.
As a key pillar of this reform, President Lee mentioned the "selective conscription system," a policy aimed at refining the military's human resources and professionalizing the ranks. "As the Commander-in-Chief, I will build a stronger, more trusted military," he asserted, urging the Ministry of National Defense to speed up the pace of comprehensive defense reforms.
Monitoring Regional Crises and Defense Readiness
Following the policy address, President Lee received a comprehensive briefing from Defense Minister Ahn Kyu-back regarding current internal and external security conditions, including the volatile situation in the Middle East and surrounding regional dynamics.
According to Presidential Spokesperson Kang Yu-jung, the conference involved in-depth discussions on several critical defense agendas:
Strengthening the "K-3 Axis" system to counter nuclear and missile threats.
Protecting overseas citizens in conflict zones, specifically in the Middle East.
Maintaining stable military management in border areas.
Enhancing capabilities based on lessons learned from recent global conflicts.
A Symbolic Visit to the Command Center
After the formal session, President Lee visited the underground Command and Control Center to encourage personnel on duty. In a moment of high symbolic significance, the President met with Colonel Cho Seong-hyeon, the commander of the 1st Security Brigade of the Capital Defense Command.
Colonel Cho gained public recognition during the "December 3rd Insurrection" for his pivotal role in upholding constitutional order, famously ordering his troops "not to cross the Sogang Bridge" to prevent the escalation of the coup. The meeting was seen as a gesture of presidential support for officers who prioritize democratic principles and the chain of command.
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