hankyoreh

South Korean Defense Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo addresses military commanders regarding the upcoming OPCON transfer at the Ministry of National Defense on Dec. 5. (Yonhap News)

During a meeting at the office of South Korea’s Ministry of National Defense on Dec. 5, Defense Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo told senior commanders from all branches of the country’s armed forces that “we will be even more systematic and proactive about preparing for the transfer of OPCON,” referring to wartime operational control of the military.

“We must take the lead in assuming operational control of US troops,” Jeong said. This was the first such meeting convened since Jeong assumed his responsibilities as Defense Minister on Sept. 21.

“In order for us to begin moving forward with the OPCON transfer based on the agreement reached in the 50th Security Consultative Meeting this past October,” Jeong said, “it is imperative that we make thorough preparations in a manner distinctly different from the present.”

Around 140 field commanders attended the meeting, including Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) Chairman Gen. Park Han-ki and Marine Corps Commander Gen. Jeon Jin-gu.

“We must establish a robust defensive stance capable of responding to security threats from any direction and continue to implement the inter-Korean military agreements,” Jeong emphasized.

“Our commanders must be the first to become clearly aware of the altered security situation, and I hope they will act preemptively to adjust and complement each unit in order to implement the inter-Korean military agreements.”

“So that we can gain public trust, the military must work to build a barracks culture that is suited to our changing times and that meets public expectations. Reform of our barracks culture will only be possible when the generals who are here today break the mold and come around to a completely new way of thinking.”

The Wednesday meeting consisted of an assessment of defense efforts this year, an interim report on defense operations next year and a debate about pressing defense issues. “Next year, meaningful steps will be taken to ease military tensions and to build confidence between South and North Korea in a security situation that’s more dynamic than ever,” Jeong said.

Jeong selected five tasks on which defense operations should focus: establishing a robust defensive stance capable of responding to security threats from any direction, promoting the complementary development of the South Korea-US alliance and their defense exchange and cooperation, building a powerful military to support peace on the Korean Peninsula, establishing a transparent and efficient system of defense operations, and boosting morale to establish a military culture that can stand alongside the people and earn their trust.

On the same day, the JCS also held a meeting of operational commanders and joint forces commanders.

“We must focus all our resources on preparing for the assessment of initial operational capability [for the OPCON transfer] scheduled for next year,” said Gen. Park Han-ki.

“I want you to actively promote education aimed at developing the capabilities of senior officers in each echelon so that we can continue to improve our ability to lead our joint defense.”

By Yoo Kang-moon, senior staff writer

Please direct comments or questions to [english@hani.co.kr]