Defense Minister Shin Warns of Increasing Nuclear Threats and Illegal Provocations from North Korea

On the 26th, Defense Minister Shin Won Sik stated, “The possibility of nuclear threats and illegal provocations from North Korea is increasing day by day.”

At the graduation and commissioning ceremony of the 80th class of the Military Academy held at Hwarang parade ground, Minister Shin said, “Our South Korean military must win in the fight between legality and illegality, civilization and anticivilization, as well as justice and injustice.”

“South Korea is facing a more serious security situation than ever before,” Minister Shin said. “The new Cold War between free democracy and totalitarian blocs is intensifying.”

He continued, “Our military is currently arming its soldiers with strong mental power and building a defense posture that overwhelms the enemy. We are strengthening the U.S.-Korea alliance and joint defense readiness. We are accelerating the ‘Defense Innovation 4.0’ initiative and creating an advanced defense culture.”

Minister Shin emphasized, “The history of the Military Academy is the history of the country’s defense. For the past 78 years, the Military Academy has trained elite officers to protect free South Korea against the hostile ambitions of the North’s hereditary monarchy. The first and second-generation alums rushed to the front lines before they were commissioned when the Korean War broke out. Many Military Academy graduates have fought against North Korea’s continued provocations.”

Regarding the 80th class of graduates of the Military Academy, Minister Shin said, “I hope you will become the nation’s impregnable fortress, shining brightly even in serious security situations like the class name of the 80th class, “Shining Moon.” I wish all the proud new officers of the 80th class of the Military Academy good luck and victory.”

He added, “I also congratulate the eight foreign military cadets who overcame many difficulties and graduated in a strange foreign land.”

In addition, Minister Shin said, “The government will do its best to ensure that your life is respected and treated preciously,” and emphasized, “You are the Republic of Korea.”