Seoul: President Lee Jae-myung on Wednesday emphasized the need for "watertight" military readiness during his inaugural phone discussion with South Korea's military chief, shortly after assuming his position as commander-in-chief.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Lee engaged in a security briefing with Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) Chairman Adm. Kim Myung-soo concerning North Korea's military activities and the preparedness of South Korea's armed forces. This briefing occurred just two hours after Lee officially commenced his five-year term.
"The president urged the military to maintain a watertight readiness posture by closely monitoring developments in North Korea, grounded in the South Korea-U.S. combined defense posture," stated the presidential office.
In the same conversation, Lee commended the military for its restraint in "passively responding to an unlawful order" issued by former President Yoon Suk Yeol during his brief imposition of martial law on December 3, noting that the troops' attitude helped avert major unrest during the emergency, as mentioned by the office.
Lee further called upon the military to remain focused on its duty to protect national security and to gain the trust and support of the public.