Chairman of South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Kim Myung Soo, visited a subordinate unit of the 1st Division responsible for general outpost (GOP) security operations today. The visit aimed to inspect practical response plans and assess field and action-oriented preparedness against potential North Korean provocations.
According to the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Kim received reports from field commanders about the North Korean military’s recent activities and anticipated provocations. He also reviewed all aspects of security operations, including the command and control systems, surveillance and strike equipment operation, and safety measures for soldiers.
Kim stated, “The enemy is likely to carry out deceptive and surprise provocations under a detailed plan using the upcoming Ulchi Freedom Shield (UFS) exercise in August as a pretext,” and ordered “detailed monitoring and analysis of enemy activities within the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ).”
He instructed, “If the enemy provokes, act immediately, forcefully, and until the end without hesitation.”
This field inspection by Kim was conducted to review field-centered preparedness in consideration of the upcoming UFS joint military exercises between South Korea and the U.S. starting on August 19, North Korea’s ongoing launch of trash balloons, and the defection of North Korean residents.