“No mercy for the enemy… Immediate, decisive, and relentless response if provoked”

Minister Kim Yong Hyun conducted an inspection of the 2nd Marine Division on the front line.

He reviewed the military's readiness and security operations.

He emphasized, "The real fear for the military should be a lack of ability to safeguard the people."

Minister Kim also committed to a substantial improvement in soldiers' service conditions and compensation.

On September 9, Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun (second from the left) visited a frontline observation post at the 2nd Marine Division and received a briefing on operational readiness from Division Commander Jeong Jong-beom (third from the left).

Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun visited a frontline unit to assess the military's readiness and offer encouragement to soldiers who are committed to serving the nation. He urged them to respond firmly in the event of enemy provocations and reiterated his dedication to improving their service conditions and compensation.

The visit to the 2nd Marine Division was his first on-site directive since taking office.

At a frontline observation post, Minister Kim was briefed by the unit commander on enemy activity and potential provocations. He also inspected the security operations, including the terrain and equipment, and offered words of encouragement to the soldiers on duty.

Minister Kim remarked, "Our military should not fear the enemy, but rather fear failing our people. Our greatest concern must be the inability to protect our citizens due to a poor response to enemy provocations."

He emphasized, "No mercy for the enemy. If provoked, respond swiftly, powerfully, and decisively, ensuring they cannot provoke again. Report the outcomes."

He remarked, "Our military successfully guided a North Korean defector on August 8, and completed a live-fire exercise in the northwestern islands with outstanding performance on September 5."

On August 8, South Korea's military successfully located and guided a North Korean individual who crossed the neutral zone at the Hangang River estuary. This success is credited to the military's high state of readiness, maintained through intense training and ongoing education.

On September 5, the military conducted a live-fire drill involving K9 self-propelled howitzers and the Cheonmu multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) on the northwestern islands, including Baengnyeongdo and Yeonpyeongdo.

Minister Kim Yong Hyun encourages the soldiers of the 2nd Marine Division.

Minister Kim proceeded to the Bachelor Officer Quarters (BOQ) to review the state of the unit's accommodations. He toured the quarters, inspected the living conditions, and spoke with junior officers. He promised to work on improving compensation so that their dedication is properly rewarded.

Later, he visited the unit's mess hall, shared a meal with the soldiers, and observed their daily life in the barracks.

In his inaugural address on September 6, Minister Kim highlighted the military's goal of building an overwhelming defense posture to deter enemy provocations. He also reiterated his commitment to greatly enhancing service conditions and compensation for military personnel.

He said, "I will make sure that military service is something to take pride in and becomes one of the most fulfilling experiences in life. I will swiftly identify and implement the necessary improvements."

By dining with the soldiers and inspecting the living conditions in the BOQ, Minister Kim demonstrated his commitment to fulfilling this promise.

Minister Kim told the soldiers, "I will strive to ensure that the pride in the saying, 'If anyone could be a Marine, I wouldn't want to be one,' is upheld and respected."

By Hyun-woo, Seo <[email protected]>

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