SEOUL: South Korea’s newly appointed Defence Minister, Shin Won-sik, has called for a robust readiness posture against North Korea during his inaugural visit to a front-line military unit.
Shin, who officially assumed his role on Saturday, received a comprehensive briefing on border operations at the Army’s 1st Infantry Division in Paju, located just south of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). During his visit, he emphasized the need for a strong military posture to address potential provocations from North Korea.
Shin’s remarks underlined the historical pattern of North Korea conducting significant provocations within the first few years after a new South Korean government takes office. He stressed a clear strategy in the event of North Korean provocations, stating, “First, retaliate immediately. Second, retaliate strongly. Third, retaliate until the end.”
This stance aligns with the recent commitment made by South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, who pledged to enhance the nation’s ability to respond “immediately and overwhelmingly” to North Korean provocations. The heightened readiness comes amid ongoing tensions on the Korean Peninsula, primarily driven by North Korea’s evolving nuclear and missile capabilities.
Shin Won-sik brings extensive experience in defence policy and military operations to his new role as Defence Minister. Before his appointment, he served as a lawmaker representing the ruling People Power Party. His military career includes significant positions within the South Korean defence establishment, including leading the defence ministry’s Policy Planning Bureau in 2011 and 2012. He later assumed the role of heading the Chief Directorate of Operations at the Joint Chiefs of Staff from October 2013 to April 2015.
Shin’s military career culminated with his role as the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) before his honorable discharge in January 2016. His deep expertise in defence matters positions him as a pivotal figure in addressing South Korea’s national security concerns, particularly in the face of the ongoing challenges posed by North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs.
As South Korea’s new Defence Minister, Shin faces the critical task of ensuring the nation’s military readiness while navigating the complexities of inter-Korean relations and regional security dynamics. His emphasis on a resolute response to provocations underscores South Korea’s commitment to safeguarding its national security and maintaining stability on the Korean Peninsula, where geopolitical tensions continue to cast a shadow over the region.
