▲ Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun (C); Gen. Paul LaCamera (L), commander of the South Korea-U.S. Combined Forces Command (CFC); and Gen. Kang Shin-chul, deputy commander of the CFC, pose for a photo during Kim's visit to the CFC headquarters in Pyeongtaek, some 60 kilometers south of Seoul, on Oct. 4, 2024, in this photo provided by Kim's office. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

defense minister-combined forces command

Defense chief reaffirms S. Korea-U.S. alliance during visit to Combined Forces Command

SEOUL, Oct. 4 (Yonhap) -- Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun vowed Friday "no mercy" for threats against South Korea and stressed that North Korea will face an "overwhelming" response from the allies in the event of a provocation.

Kim made the remarks during his first visit to the South Korea-U.S. Combined Forces Command (CFC) in Pyeongtaek, some 60 kilometers south of Seoul, after taking the post of Seoul's defense chief last month.

Kim was briefed by CFC Commander Gen. Paul LaCamera and called for further bolstering the allies' combined defense posture, according to the ministry.

Kim also called for close cooperation between the CFC and the newly launched ROK Strategic Command, saying the new command will serve as a key unit in carrying out the detailed plans of the extended deterrence. ROK refers to the acronym of South Korea's formal name, the Republic of Korea.

Extended deterrence refers to Washington's commitment to defend its ally with the full range of its military capabilities, including nuclear forces.

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