Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

Age of Great Transformation Begins

Introduce confirmation hearings for chiefs of staff of each military branch

Pursue denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula through multilateral and inter-Korean dialogues

Prepare guidelines to reduce disparities in veterans’ honorary allowance

Eliminate medical service blind spots by introducing designated physicians for veterans

Strengthen cooperation with Japan, China, and Russia based on the ROK-US Alliance

Strive for G7+ standing in step with Korea’s national stature

Secure MRO orders for US Navy vessels

Reinforce DAPA capabilities and reform the military force support system

“I will build a nation of strong diplomacy and security through forward-looking, practical diplomacy and advanced defense in this era of Great Transformation.”

President Lee Jae-myung summarized his plan for national defense and diplomacy during the presidential campaign on social media with the statement above. President Lee’s campaign pledges include a commitment to focus on building national strength to address the increasingly unstable global security environment amid US-China strategic rivalry and the complexities of multilateralism.

Defense and diplomacy are key elements that determine a nation’s destiny. President Lee also emphasized that for the Republic of Korea—a nation still divided—security underpins the economy and peace is essential to the people’s well-being. The new administration’s priorities are reflected through the defense and diplomatic policies outlined in the President’s campaign pledges.

On October 31 of last year, Lee Jae-myung, then leader of the Democratic Party of Korea and now President, visited the 17th Infantry Division’s 3rd Security Group, where he received a briefing on the unit’s operational status from military officials.

[Defense and Security]

Introduce confirmation hearings for chiefs of staff of each military branch

Pursue denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula through multilateral and inter-Korean dialogues

The new government has set five goals as its national agenda in the defense sector.

First, the government will promote civilian leadership in national defense under the goal of “Establishing a military that serves the people.” The new government will promote civilian leadership in national defense, starting with the appointment of a civilian Defense Minister, and will gradually expand this approach to the Ministry of National Defense and the Defense Acquisition Program Administration. It will reform military intelligence institutions, legalize the right to refuse unfair commands, and introduce confirmation hearings for the chiefs of staff of each military branch. The new government plans to integrate military education institutions in phases to overcome inter-branch parochialism and strengthen jointness.

The government will also establish a military system where troops are fully dedicated to their missions through stronger defense reforms. The efficiency of defense operations will be enhanced by expanding investment in artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in the defense sector. Conscription methods will be diversified to reflect the declining number of soldiers and changing operational environment, while unit and command structures will also be restructured.

The ratio of female soldiers will be increased, and integrated protection capabilities will be strengthened by establishing a defense cyber control tower. Joint operation capabilities will be strengthened by accelerating the deployment of the Army-wide C4I (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence) System.

In particular, the current three-branch structure—comprising the Army, Navy, and Air Force—is planned to be reorganized into a “quasi–four-branch system” by separating the Marine Corps as an independent branch. Accordingly, reforms will be implemented for dedicated rapid response units for the Northwest Islands and amphibious operations.

The entrenched personnel management practices based on rank, affiliation, and position will be dismantled. New military occupational specialties will be created or existing ones reorganized, integrated, or abolished in response to evolving demands and changes in the era. A legal basis will be established for personnel management and welfare policies for civilian military employees, while unnecessary regulations—such as altitude restrictions around military facility protection zones and military airports—will be boldly eased to safeguard citizens’ property rights.

The government will work to de-escalate military tensions on the Korean Peninsula and foster an atmosphere of peace. Multilateral and South-North dialogues will be pursued to address the North Korean nuclear issue and achieve denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula.

To this end, the government will work to restore inter-Korean relations. It will seek to transform inter-Korean relations from hostile competition to reconciliation and cooperation. The government plans to restore South-North communication channels to prevent accidental clashes and better manage the situation between the two Koreas. Easing military tensions and building mutual trust will be pursued through the restoration of the September 19 Inter-Korean Military Agreement and other confidence-building measures. Efforts to further develop the National Community Unification Formula will be made while taking into account evolving public perception of unification, North Korea’s two hostile states doctrine, and other relevant factors.

The new government will secure robust deterrence capabilities based on the ROK-US Alliance and actively pursue the transfer of wartime operational control (OPCON). To this end, a space strategy command will be established in the long term. A military satellite system will be established to provide 24-hour surveillance over the entire Korean Peninsula. Deterrence against North Korea will be strengthened through two main strategies: enhancing the performance of Korean ballistic missiles and advancing the national missile defense system.

Efforts to improve soldiers’ service conditions will be accelerated. Salaries for junior officers will be raised, and the long-term service ratio will be substantially increased. Support for rental housing costs for junior officers will be expanded, with additional assistance provided through policy funds. Full support for medical checkup costs and remote e-learning fees will be provided to long-term serving personnel. The mobilization training period will be reduced from four years to three years, and the training compensation fee will also be increased.

On May 14, then-presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung visited the Memorial Tower for the Fallen at the United Nations Memorial Cemetery in Nam-gu, Busan.

[Diplomacy and Unification]

Strengthen cooperation with Japan, China, and Russia based on the ROK-US Alliance

Strive for G7+ standing in step with Korea’s national stature

The central theme of President Lee’s diplomacy strategy is the pursuit of the national interest. Throughout his presidential campaign, he consistently advocated for practical diplomacy grounded in this principle. His key foreign policy goals include strengthening cooperation with neighboring countries—such as Japan, China, and Russia—based on a robust ROK-US Alliance, and expanding Korea’s diplomatic reach through diversified engagement with the Global South, ASEAN, BRICS, Southwest Asia, Africa, and Central Asia. President Lee believes this approach is only possible with strong backing from the alliance. The new government is presenting a blueprint to evolve the alliance into a mutually beneficial future-oriented partnership.

The government will pursue Korea-Japan relations with a focus on future-oriented development. President Lee pledged during his campaign to strengthen Korea-US-Japan cooperation by fostering closer collaboration in various areas, including the economy, security, and human exchanges. He emphasized a clear and principled stance on sensitive historical issues such as the comfort women matter.

The new government is committed to maintaining stability on the Korean Peninsula by fostering a cooperative partnership with China, recognizing China’s dual role as a vital trading partner and a country with significant influence on regional security. However, the government will preserve sovereignty through a firm response to maritime issues such as illegal Chinese fishing vessels.

Regarding relations with Russia, the government is expected to pursue practical diplomacy in the national interest while maintaining clear opposition to Russia-North Korea military cooperation. Furthermore, in response to the trend toward multilateralism, the new government will maintain the New Southern Policy and New Northern Policy while also aiming to diversify its diplomatic engagement by strengthening cooperation with the EU and the Global South.

President Lee has articulated his vision for South Korea to advance to the status of a G7+ nation, in line with its elevated stature on the global stage. As part of this vision, he has pledged to focus on three key areas: responding to the global climate crisis, implementing international development and cooperation initiatives, and engaging in active public diplomacy. These efforts aim to further enhance Korea’s national standing on the world stage.

The relationship between South Korea and North Korea, which has been largely frozen in recent years, is likely to show signs of potential change. President Lee has decided to foster conditions conducive to dialogue on the North Korean nuclear issue through close ROK-US consultation and by reducing tensions on the Korean Peninsula. He also aims to facilitate negotiations between North Korea and the United States.

As part of the peace-building process on the Korean Peninsula, South Korea will encourage North Korea’s denuclearization and initiate peace talks through a four-party consultative body including both Koreas, the US, and China. This effort will later expand into a six-party framework with the addition of Russia and Japan, ultimately developing into regional peace cooperation through a phased approach. To this end, the government will pursue the restoration of inter-Korean relations and a transition to reconciliation and cooperation, while upholding the principle of denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula.

[Defense Industry Exports]

Secure MRO orders for US Navy vessels

Reinforce DAPA capabilities and reform the military force support system

President Lee said the new government will concentrate on strengthening the K-defense industry, which has become a pillar of economic growth. He envisions Korea rising as one of the world’s top four defense powers.

What is most remarkable is that the K-defense industry will be managed and supported as a key component of economic security. In his list of pledges, President Lee emphasized that the position of defense industry officers—formerly within the National Security Office—will be transferred to the Office of the Senior Secretary to the President for Economic Affairs.

It was also decided to institutionalize regular strategic meetings chaired by the President to promote defense industry exports. A specialized team will be established to enhance the global competitiveness of Korea’s shipbuilding sector and secure new international contracts, reflecting the industry’s growing prominence. To this end, the government will actively support efforts to secure shipbuilding contracts, and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) orders for US Navy and Coast Guard vessels.

The pledges also include increased R&D investment to establish a technological foundation for AI in the defense sector.

President Lee announced plans to enhance the capabilities of the Defense AI Center at the Agency for Defense Development (ADD).

He also stated that, by establishing a foundation for AI in the defense sector, the government will deploy intelligent weapon systems and independently develop advanced aircraft engines for next-generation fighters, thereby strengthening the nation’s defense capabilities. In addition, the military will continue to advance its manned-unmanned combat systems.

President Lee has identified expanded support for defense industry export firms as a key policy agenda. These firms will receive substantial tax credits and incentives for their R&D investments. The government will also enhance competitiveness by promoting the defense industry support policy fund. Start-ups with innovative technologies will be actively supported, and the alternative military service system for defense industry personnel will be expanded.

The capabilities of the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) will be strengthened to better align with evolving changes in the defense industry ecosystem. A streamlined approach will be introduced to simplify complex defense industry promotion systems, including requirements, testing, and evaluation processes. In addition, the transfer of ADD’s core source technologies to the private sector will be accelerated.

Notably, a business adjustment scheme will be introduced to prevent excessive domestic competition and ensure export competitiveness among defense firms.

A new initiative called “Innovation Mining” will be introduced to encourage defense firms to submit proposals for new-concept weapon systems and innovative business implementation strategies.

In addition, the pledges include diversifying procurement methods to enhance overseas export competitiveness—such as developing new export items—as well as reforming the Defense Acquisition Program Administration support system to prevent irregularities and ensure integrity within the defense industry.

[Culture of Honoring National Service]

Prepare guidelines to reduce disparities in veterans’ honorary allowance

Eliminate medical service blind spots by introducing designated physicians for veterans

President Lee’s policy for patriots and veterans is based on three pillars: establishing a rational compensation system that reflects their dedication, promoting a culture of honoring their service to foster national unity, and building a health management system supported by the state.

The new government will eliminate unreasonable and discriminatory elements by fully reforming veterans’ benefits and expanding support allowances for grade 7 service-incurred injured military, police, and firefighting personnel.

A guideline will be established and implemented to reduce the disparities in honorary allowances provided by local governments. The government will also consider introducing payments of livelihood support to low-income spouses aged 80 or older in the event of a veteran’s death.

Fair compensation for the period of military service is a cornerstone of major veterans’ policies. The new government will establish a legal basis for recognizing military service periods in salary scales and expand the Veterans’ Rights Protection and Remedy Window. The management of memorial facilities both at home and abroad will be strengthened, and related laws and systems for the maintenance of these facilities will be revamped.

To promote a culture of honoring veterans, the government will commemorate the 80th anniversary of liberation from Japanese rule, integrate and upgrade the veterans information system, and encourage inclusive events that engage all generations. In particular, by strengthening the neutrality of public institutions and the National Veterans Commission, the government will help prevent ideological debates

The government will expand veterans’ medical care to ensure that those who served the nation can enjoy a stable and comfortable life in their later years. To achieve this, public hospitals in regions without veterans hospitals will be designated as “quasi veterans hospitals.” The government will also introduce a district-based Veterans’ Primary Doctor System. In addition, it will improve fairness in personnel and procurement processes and secure more qualified medical professionals to enhance veterans’ healthcare.

To address the aging of the nation’s meritorious citizens, the government will expand the rental program for assistive devices—including wheelchairs—to better support their mobility and independence. Additionally, the government will establish a safety net for single-person households through collaboration with the private sector and implement a survey and management system to help prevent lonely deaths.

As a presidential candidate, President Lee pledged: “The freedom and prosperity we enjoy today would not have been possible without the sacrifices of patriots and war dead, who devoted their lives during their prime. I will strive to build a nation where the people inherit the patriotism of their forefathers and become the rightful owners of the nation that countless patriots have dreamed of.”

By Chae-Mu, Im <lims86@dema.mil.kr >

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