Rebuilding a People’s Military Trusted by the Nation

Defense Ministry reports progress at the plenary session of the National Assembly's National Defense Committee.

Launches the 'Defense Reform Implementation Group' under the direct authority of the Minister.

Clarifies the principle of "rewarding the meritorious and punishing the guilty" to safeguard constitutional values.

Focuses on five key priorities, including strengthening ROK-US defense cooperation.

Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back answers questions from members of the National Assembly during a plenary session of the National Defense Committee on Aug. 25, addressing key issues including the government's policy on reconciliation with North Korea.

Provided by Yonhap news

The Defense Ministry announced its commitment to advancing defense reform in line with the changing security environment and future warfare conditions, aiming to build a science and technology-based strong military while rebuilding a 'military of the people' that earns public trust.

At the plenary session of the National Defense Committee held on August 25, the Defense Ministry reported five key implementation targets, including this commitment. These include implementing defense reform, easing military tensions between the two Koreas, strengthening ROK-US defense cooperation, expanding exports and partnerships of the Korean defense (K-Defense) industry, and enhancing service conditions and compensation for soldiers.

The Defense Ministry plans to form a 'Defense Reform Implementation Group' consisting of internal and external experts to steadily advance defense reform. The Defense Minister also stated that the Ministry will take internal measures and support the special prosecutor's investigation into the alleged martial law declaration. These efforts aim to build a military trusted by the people while upholding the principle of "rewarding the meritorious and punishing the guilty," by recognizing service members who have contributed to protecting constitutional values.

The Defense Ministry intends to implement effective measures to reduce military tensions and prevent accidental clashes, aiming to establish peace and build trust on the Korean Peninsula, while maintaining full military readiness.

The Defense Ministry also seeks to accelerate efforts to strengthen South Korea-US defense cooperation. It stated that it will prioritize national interests, manage Alliance issues pragmatically, and enhance cooperation to counter North Korea's nuclear and missile threats through a strong combined defense posture. In particular, the Ministry unveiled a plan to develop the ROK-US Alliance into a future-oriented, comprehensive strategic alliance through policy support and cooperation based on a reciprocal relationship between the two defense authorities.

To expand exports and cooperation for the K-Defense industry, the Defense Ministry intends to formulate tailored export strategies by region and strengthen global partnerships in the defense sector. The Ministry reported that it strives to become one of the world's four major defense industry nations by leveraging pan-government capabilities, including industry cooperation and financial support, in the execution of major projects.

The Defense Ministry will prioritize substantial improvements in service conditions and compensation for soldiers. Through these efforts, the Ministry plans to foster pride in military service and create conditions that enable soldiers to fully dedicate themselves to their duties. Key goals include improving compensation and welfare for junior officers; enhancing job security for mid-level officers and increasing support for their families; and providing fair compensation for fulfilling military service obligations.

Regarding these initiatives, a Defense Ministry official stated, "We will develop comprehensive compensation and welfare measures to address the needs of soldiers and their families, thereby enhancing satisfaction with military service and ensuring job security."

By Byeong-No, Yun <[email protected] >

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