▲ Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back (2nd from L) delivers his opening speech ahead of a policy briefing of the military branches at the military headquarters in Gyeryong, some 145 kilometers south of Seoul, on Jan. 19, 2026, in this photo provided by his office. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

(LEAD) Marine Corps-policy briefing

(LEAD) Defense chief says peace, dialogue should be based on 'overwhelming power'

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SEOUL, Jan. 19 (Yonhap) -- Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back on Monday said both peace and dialogue should be based on "overwhelming power," calling for the military to maintain a firm defense posture.

Ahn made the remarks during a policy briefing of the military branches, highlighting the importance of maintaining a robust state of readiness across all branches of the military.

"Through strong power, (the military) should become a solid peacemaker," Ahn said during the policy briefing at the military headquarters in Gyeryong, some 145 kilometers south of Seoul.

"Each military branch and the Marine Corps should become one-team to hand down a well-prepared military to the next generation 15 years from now by pursuing reform with a bone-cutting determination," he added.

The defense chief also urged the Navy to thoroughly prepare for the country's bid to build nuclear-powered submarines, noting the project is at the "core" of a national strategic project.

During the policy briefing, Ahn was briefed on the current status of a project to develop "500,000 drone warriors," including plans to secure 11,265 drones built mostly with homegrown materials, aimed at better preparing conscripts for modern warfare. It marked the first such briefing from the military since the personnel reshuffle of senior military personnel.

Meanwhile, the Marine Corps plans to form a task force with the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) to expedite the transfer of operational control of two Marine divisions from the Army.

The move comes as President Lee Jae Myung has pledged to restructure the three-pronged military structure, consisting of the Army, the Navy and the Air Force, in a bid to give the Marine Corps greater independence.

Under the plan, the Marine Corps will push for a revision to the relevant law on the organization of the armed forces and establish an independent operations command for the Marine Corps.

It also plans to gradually deploy core assets, such as K2 battle tanks, KAAV amphibious assault vehicles and marine attack helicopters, to the military unit in charge of amphibious operations.

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