SEOUL, South Korea: In a powerful address on Armed Forces Day, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol on Tuesday emphasized the imperative of cultivating an unwavering military spirit and rigorous training among the nation’s troops. He reiterated a steadfast commitment to immediate retaliation against any potential provocations by North Korea, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
President Yoon Suk Yeol emphasized the bedrock of a robust national defense to be the unwavering military spirit, strong commitment, and a clear understanding of who the adversaries are. During the Armed Forces Day ceremony, which included a thorough review of soldiers and weapons systems at a military airport near Seoul, he urged the troops to undergo daily, disciplined training reflective of real combat situations.
Expressing deep concern about North Korea’s escalating nuclear program and its existential threat to the South Korean population, President Yoon reiterated the nation’s resolute stance to retaliate immediately against any provocations. He made it clear that if North Korea were to employ nuclear weapons, a powerful and overwhelming response would be mounted by the joint forces of South Korea and the United States, ultimately leading to an end to the North Korean government.
The backdrop of President Yoon’s speech is the increasing apprehension regarding North Korea’s efforts to garner Russian support, aiming to bolster its nuclear arsenal in exchange for replenishing Russia’s conventional arms depleted during the Ukraine conflict. Recent developments, including North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s visit to Russia’s far eastern region and subsequent engagements with President Vladimir Putin, have heightened these concerns.
Reports indicate North Korea’s aspiration to acquire Russian technologies to advance their spy satellite development, nuclear-propelled submarines, and formidable long-range missiles. Such advancements pose a significant security threat to both South Korea and the U.S., according to experts.
During his address, President Yoon refrained from specifically mentioning the North Korean-Russian ties. However, in his recent address at the U.N. General Assembly, he made it clear that South Korea would not remain passive if North Korea and Russia were to engage in weapons transfer deals in violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions, emphasizing their commitment to enforcing the bans on all weapons trade involving North Korea.
