Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

National Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup presided urgent meeting of commanders

“Only the determination to fight and a strong response can deter North Korea’s provocations”

On the afternoon of January 1 (Sunday) in the new year, Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup emphasized the need to be aware of a grave security situation in an urgent meeting of commanders attended by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and commanders of operational commands in all the services, and urged them to maintain firm military readiness.

Minister Lee said, “North Korea mentioned us as a definite enemy in the plenary session of the Workers’ Party today, and made clear its commitment to develop intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), use nuclear weapons and launch a preemptive attack, and the North can repeat unexpected sudden provocations using small drones anytime, and the current serious situation will continue.”

Lee added, “If North Korea commits direct provocations, we must not hesitate to take a strong determined response to protect ourselves” and urged them to maintain firm readiness.