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South Korea Pushes Military Reform Amid North Korea Threats & Population Decline

South Korea's Defence Minister Ahn Gyu-back has called for urgent military reform to address mounting security and demographic challenges. He emphasized that the country's future depends on countering North Korean nuclear threats and managing a declining population. A key goal is achieving the transfer of wartime operational control from the United States during President Lee Jae Myung's term. The minister also inspected capital defence units, urging a focus on core missions to restore public trust.

Key Points: South Korea Military Reform for Security, Demographic Challenges

  • Counter North Korea's nuclear threats
  • Achieve wartime command transfer from US
  • Adapt to AI technology and population decline
  • Build a "strong, smart military"
  • Restore public trust after past insurrection
2 min read

South Korea's Defence chief calls for military reform in the face of security, demographic challenges

Defence Minister Ahn Gyu-back calls for defence innovation to counter North Korean nuclear threats and a declining population, aiming for wartime command transfer.

"Our (ability) to fight back against challenges facing us... will determine the destiny of South Korea in the future. - Ahn Gyu-back"

Seoul, Feb 4

South Korea's Defence Minister Ahn Gyu-back on Wednesday called for the military to push ahead with defence reform in the face of security and demographic challenges, including North Korea's nuclear threats and a fall in the country's population.

Ahn made the remarks during a seminar on defence innovation aimed at discussing ways to build a "strong, smart military" amid a rapidly changing security environment and a decline in the number of troops, Yonhap News Agency reported.

"Our (ability) to fight back against challenges facing us, including North Korea's advancement of nuclear threats, achieving the transfer of wartime command (from the United States), artificial intelligence technology and a declining population, will determine the destiny of South Korea in the future," Ahn said.

The defence chief also stressed achieving the transition of wartime operational control from Washington to Seoul within South Korean President Lee Jae Myung's term ending in 2030 to "take the lead" in shaping the destiny of the Korean Peninsula.

The ministry plans to further develop the basic plan for defence innovation scheduled for completion by 2026 based on Wednesday's seminar.

On Monday, Ahn Gyu-back visited the command in charge of defending the capital area to inspect military readiness for air-defence, counterterrorism and other contingencies, the defence ministry said.

Ahn made the visit to the Capital Defence Command in southern Seoul, where he urged the command to focus on its "innate mission" in order to restore public trust, according to the ministry.

"Now is the time to move beyond the scars of the December 3 insurrection and, with a spirit of self-reliance, devote ourselves to the core mission of defending the capital," he said.

The defence chief also visited the Joint Air Defence Operations Center to inspect the air defence posture following the recent relocation of the presidential office.

Ahn also paid a visit to an anti-terrorism unit under the command and urged it to maintain a readiness posture against terror threats.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
The demographic challenge is something many developed nations are facing, not just South Korea. A declining population directly impacts military manpower. It's interesting to see how they plan to use AI and tech to compensate. A smart military is indeed the future.
V
Vikram M
North Korea's nuclear threat is a serious concern for the entire region. Hope South Korea's reforms strengthen stability. From an Indian perspective, we understand living with unpredictable nuclear-armed neighbours. Peace through strength is the only way.
P
Priya S
While building a strong military is important, I hope the focus on "restoring public trust" mentioned here is genuine. Sometimes, militaries can become too insular. The balance between security and civil liberties is delicate and must be maintained.
R
Rohit P
The mention of the "December 3 insurrection" is intriguing. A military must learn from its past internal challenges to serve the nation better. Jai Hind! Our forces always stand united for the country's integrity.
K
Karthik V
Transfer of wartime command from the US by 2030 is a bold and necessary goal. True independence means commanding your own defence. Best of luck to South Korea. Their success is important for a multipolar world order.

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