Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

Minster of National Defense Han Min-koo visited the ROC-Drill field conducted by the ROK-U.S. Combined Forces Command on March 6, and said, “Korea-U.S. combined training, which North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is most afraid of, is the foundation stone supporting the Korea-U.S. alliance and it has been restraining enemy provocation and protecting the security of Korea for more than 60 years.”

He also conveyed an expression of regret to the commander in chief, combined forces command, Curtis Scaparrotti, saying that the attack on U.S. ambassador Mark W. Lippert was an unacceptable terrorism and he wished his quick recovery.

Minister Han also said, “Terror directed at the U.S. ambassador to Republic of Korea is the most definite attack on the Korea-U.S. alliance. And the ability to defend ourselves against this kind of attack comes from the firm and strong alliance between Korea and the U.S. This great alliance has undergone many hardships and adversities up to the present day. Despite the unfortunate circumstances, the Korea-U.S. alliance will be strengthened more as a blessing in disguise.”

And Commander Scaparrotti answered that he never saw this attack as representing the Korean people or their feelings for America.

With that, Minister Han added, “The response from North Korea yesterday was a senseless comment that showed themselves as a terrorist and anti-humanitarian group.”

Meanwhile, North Korea’s news agencies presented the attack on Ambassador Lippert, glorifying terrorism and introducing it as a razor for justice.

Around 200 of both sides’ major commanders and staff officers, including the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, Choi Yun-hee, and Commander Scaparrotti participated in the Korea-U.S. ROC-Drill, developing a concept for the second Key Resolve(KR) training and seeking various solutions for more effective, productive training.