Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

In response to some questions about the rebuilding of a missile launch site at Tongchang-ri in North Korea, he said, “It has been reported that North Korea is working to rebuild some demolished facilities, but it is not clear whether the rebuilding work is being done to strengthen its bargaining power related to denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula or to launch missiles; the Republic of Korea-U.S. military and intelligence authorities are keeping an eye on the situation.”

He also responded to questions about downsizing Republic of Korea-U.S. military exercises and the possibility of reducing the number of U.S. troops in Republic of Korea. “It is about making the exercises more efficient rather than reducing them. Compared to previous years, we are carrying out the exercises in a more coordinated way using a more developed weapon system. We can show more powerful capabilities and force, while maintaining an unwavering combined defense readiness.” 

“There was no discussion on reducing U.S. troops in Republic of Korea at the 50th Republic of Korea-U.S. Security Consultation Meeting last year. Together with former U.S. Defense Secretary James Mattis, I told you then that it would be maintained at its current level. The buildup of war potential is to develop our current capabilities.” He clarified that there is no plan to reduce the number of U.S. troops in Republic of Korea, even under a developed weapon system.

On Tuesday, Minister Jeong was presented with the Legion of Merit (LOM) by the U.S. government. The LOM, which was established by the U.S. Federal Government in 1942, is conferred on both American citizens and citizens of other countries for exceptionally meritorious conduct in military service. The merit is the highest honor that the U.S. presents to foreign military officials. Minister Jeong was awarded for his contribution to the enhancement of the Republic of Korea-U.S. alliance and peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula during his time as the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS). The awarding ceremony was even more meaningful because it was hosted by U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) Chairman Gen. Joseph Dunford, who maintained close cooperation as Jeong’s then-U.S. counterpart.

“While this decoration is being given to me, it is one that I am proud to receive on behalf of all Republic of Korean troops,” Minister Jeong said. “I will do my utmost for the honor of both Republic of Korean and U.S. troops, and the enhancement of our robust Republic of Korea-U.S. alliance.” 

Before the awarding ceremony, Minister Jeong and JCS Chairman Dunford held talks on the security situation on the Korean Peninsula and other pending alliance issues. They agreed to continue close cooperation toward the goal of the complete denuclearization of the peninsula and the establishment of peace, while sharing the view that the Republic of Korea-U.S. alliance stands as a linchpin of peace and stability on the peninsula and in Northeast Asia.

Minister Jeong also met separately with Senator Cory Gardner, the chair of Foreign Relations Subcommittee on East Asia, and Adam Smith, the head of the House Armed Services Committee, to explain the security situation on the Korean Peninsula.

At the meeting, Minister Jeong expressed his appreciation for the U.S. Congress’s strong support that has led to an improvement in the denuclearization and establishment of peace on the Korean Peninsula. He also called for the U.S. Congress’s interest and support, saying that the implementation of the inter-Korean Sept. 19 military agreement relieves military tensions on the peninsula and contributes to building trust.