Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

Prime Minister and Acting President of Republic of Korea Hwang Kyo-ahn (pictured) has instructed the army to restrain the provocations of North Korea through a strong combined defense posture, which will include raising the executive ability of Korea-U.S. extended deterrence, etc. through ongoing KR/FE Korea-U.S. combined training, and to complete a thorough readiness posture to make sure the North will learn a hard lesson if they decide to provoke us.

During a National Security Council (NSC) meeting related to a vacancy of the president held under the chairmanship of acting president Hwang, he said, “We’re facing a very concerning situation of social unrest due to the vacancy of the president, and North Korea might seek to accelerate the split in public opinion, or carry out military provocations to instigate the confusion today”.

He continued, “Our government should continue to strongly restrain and suppress the North until North Korea gives up its nuclear and missile development, while thoroughly implementing the U.N. Security Council Resolution in close cooperation with the international community, and enhancing communication with neighboring countries, including the U.S. to solve the North Korean missile issue.”

In a special Cabinet meeting held ahead of the NSC, acting president Hwang said, “Each department should implement a diplomatic and public, economic policy based on a strong security posture, according to plan. We need to let the international community know that our government administration remains stable. And as our security conditions are very unstable, considering the North’s missile tests and the assassination of Kim Jong-nam, etc., we have to reinforce our security and quick response posture against any provocations of the North”. Immediately after the impeachment of former president Park, acting president Hwang made a call to Defense Minister Han Min-koo and asked the military to maintain a thorough readiness posture. During the call, he said, “North Korea has been continuously pursuing provocations that threaten our security and peace, and taking advantage of our current domestic situation, such as through the ballistic missile tests and the assassination of Kim Jong-nam with a chemical weapon, etc.. I’m asking the army to unwaveringly tighten the guard and maintain a through readiness posture, so our people’s lives and security remain safe.”

Acting president Hwang also made a public speech at the government building in Seoul in the afternoon and made an appeal for national harmony. He said, “The decision made by the Constitutional Court today is based on our constitution and our laws, and we all should respect this decision, as Korea is a liberal democracy that is founded on a constitution”. He also requested our national support, mentioning ”Now, it’s time to take each other’s hands, understand each other's perspectives, and comfort each other. Please gather your wisdom and power so that Korea never stops and we can take a step forward with hope”.

By Yeong-Sun, Lee <ys119@dema.mil.kr>

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