▲ Defense Minister Shin Won-shik is briefed on the security posture at the Army's 1st Infantry Division in Paju, just south of the Demilitarized Zone, on Oct. 9, 2023, in this photo provided by his ministry. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

defense minister-troops visit

New defense chief calls for firm readiness posture against N. Korea

SEOUL, Oct. 9 (Yonhap) -- Defense Minister Shin Won-sik called Monday for a strong readiness posture against North Korea as he made his first visit to a front-line military unit in his new role.

Shin, who took office Saturday, was briefed on border operations at the Army's 1st Infantry Division in Paju, just south of the Demilitarized Zone, and ordered a firm military readiness posture.

"In the past, North Korea has conducted large-scale provocations after two or three years after our government takes office," Shin was quoted as saying.

If North Korea provokes, Shin said, "First, retaliate immediately. Second, retaliate strongly. Third, retaliate until the end."

Last week, President Yoon Suk Yeol vowed to defend the nation from North Korea's provocations by strengthening its ability to respond "immediately and overwhelmingly."

Tensions linger on the Korean Peninsula over North Korea's evolving nuclear and missile threats.

Shin, a ruling People Power Party lawmaker who retired as a three-star Army general, is known for his expertise in defense policy and military operations.

He served as the head of the defense ministry's Policy Planning Bureau in 2011 and 2012 before leading the Joint Chiefs of Staff's Chief Directorate of Operations from October 2013 to April 2015.

Shin capped off his military career as the JCS vice chairman before his discharge in January 2016.

(END)

[ⓒ K-VIBE. 무단전재-재배포 금지]