Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

Minister Kim Yong Hyun met with the U.S. Ambassador to Korea

They agreed to build an overwhelming combined defense posture

The Defense Ministry demanded an immediate suspension of the N.K.-Russia alliance and called it a violation of UN resolutions

The Foreign Ministry summoned and expressed protests to the Russian Ambassador to Korea

On October 21, Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun met with U.S. Ambassador to Korea Philip S. Goldberg at the Defense Ministry in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. They discussed the situation on the Korean Peninsula, including North Korea’s deployment of troops to Russia.

Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun expressed serious concern over the deepening military alliance between Russia and North Korea. He emphasized that the two countries will cooperate with the international community regarding the North Korean troops dispatched to Russia.

The Defense Ministry announced on October 21 that Minister Kim met with U.S. Ambassador to Korea Philip S. Goldberg at the Defense Ministry in Yongsan-gu, Seoul and discussed circumstances on the Korean Peninsula and directions for the ROK-U.S. Alliance.

Minister Kim strongly condemned North Korea’s recent threats and provocations, such as explosions on roads connected to the Gyeongui and Donghae Railway Lines and the launch of trash balloons, which have escalated military tension on the Korean Peninsula.

In particular, he expressed serious concern over deepening Russia-North Korean military ties, such as the North sending troops to Russia, and made it clear that all possibilities are open regarding the North’s troop dispatch and emphasized cooperation with the international community.

Furthermore, Minister Kim welcomed the announcement of the ROK-U.S. Guidelines for Nuclear Deterrence and Nuclear Operations on the Korean Peninsula, following the successful operation of the NCG after the Washington Declaration, and assessed that the ROK-U.S. Alliance, initially based on conventional forces, has now been upgraded to a nuclear-based alliance.

He also emphasized the need to continuously strengthen the ROK-U.S. integrated extended deterrence system and sought Ambassador Goldberg’s interest and support. Both sides concurred on the necessity of building an overwhelming combined defense posture and capabilities to deter North Korea from making provocations, and pledged to continue to work closely together.

The Defense Ministry demanded that North Korea immediately stop dispatching troops to Russia because it is an illegal act that violates UN resolutions.

At a regular briefing, Defense Ministry spokesperson Jeon Ha-gyu said that North Korea’ s involvement in Russia’s infiltrating war is a violation of UN resolutions and an illegal act condemned by the international community, and strongly stated, “We denounce these acts of the North and demand they be suspended immediately.”

He also stressed, “The military will take all necessary measures to protect people’s security.” Regarding the measures, he added, “We will monitor the situation with all possibilities open, and the government and the Defense Ministry will discuss appropriate measures based on developments.”

On the same day, the Foreign Ministry summoned the Russian Ambassador to Korea. First Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Kim Hong Kyun conveyed the Korean government’s grave position on North Korea dispatching troops to Russia to Ambassador Georgiy Zinoviev, and urged the immediate withdrawal of North Korean troops and the suspension of related cooperation.

Vice Minister Kim denounced the illegal military alliance, such as North Korea sending troops to Russia, in the strongest language, and warned that any actions that endanger Korea’s core security interests will be addressed using all available means in partnership with the international community.

The government said that it will consider necessary measures and leave various options open. Measures against North Korea’s dispatch of troops to Ukraine are under discussion on a pan-governmental level, including the Defense Ministry.

It is said that the government will consider providing weapons and military personnel, such as 155 mm artillery shells, which are known to be the most needed by Ukraine.

Meanwhile in his remarks on October 20 (local time), Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for a stern response from the international community, citing satellite image evidence that North Korea is sending its troops and weapons to Russia for the war. He described North Korea’s troop dispatch as actual participation in the war against Ukraine and warned that if North Korea becomes accustomed to modern warfare, “instability and threats will increase significantly.”

 By Hyun-woo, Seo <lgiant61@dema.mi.kr>

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