South Korea’s President Calls for Unwavering Military Spirit and Vows Immediate Retaliation Against North Korea
By HYUNG-JIN KIM Associated Press
September 26, 2023, 12:07 AM ET
SEOUL, South Korea — President Yoon Suk Yeol of South Korea delivered a powerful speech on Tuesday, urging his troops to cultivate an “unwavering military spirit” and intensify their training efforts. Speaking on Armed Forces Day, President Yoon also assured immediate retaliation against any potential provocation by North Korea.
The president’s remarks come amid escalating concerns that North Korea is seeking Russian support to bolster its nuclear arsenal. It has been reported that North Korea aims to secure Russian technologies in exchange for replenishing Russia’s depleted conventional arms stores as a result of its conflict with Ukraine.
In a ceremony held near Seoul, President Yoon addressed the troops, emphasizing the importance of their strong commitment and a clear understanding of who their enemies are. He stated, “Above all, the cornerstone of our robust national defense lies in your unwavering military spirit, strong commitment, and a clear definition of who your enemies are.”
President Yoon urged the soldiers to train diligently with the discipline required in real combat situations, underscoring the gravity of the current threats. He referred to North Korea’s advancing nuclear program as an “existential threat to our people” and emphasized that immediate retaliation would follow any provocation by North Korea. Furthermore, President Yoon warned that if North Korea were to utilize nuclear weapons, its government would face “an overwhelming response” from South Korean and U.S. forces, ultimately bringing it to an end.
Recent developments involving North Korean-Russian military ties have raised additional concerns. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s visit to Russia earlier this month, including a summit with President Vladimir Putin and visits to key military sites, has raised suspicions of potential weapons trade and cooperation. North Korea reportedly seeks Russian technologies to enhance its development of spy satellites, nuclear-propelled submarines, and powerful long-range missiles, posing significant security risks to South Korea and the U.S., as experts have warned.
President Yoon did not mention North Korean-Russian ties explicitly during his speech but addressed the issue while speaking at the U.N. General Assembly last week. He emphasized that South Korea would not remain idle if North Korea and Russia proceeded with weapons transfer agreements that violate U.N. Security Council resolutions banning such deals involving North Korea.
U.S. officials have also voiced their concerns and warned that both North Korea and Russia would face consequences should they proceed with the prohibited agreements.
As tensions escalate, President Yoon’s resolute stance and call for an unwavering military spirit reflect South Korea’s determination to ensure national security and protect its people from any potential threats.