Seoul: The nominee for the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) pledged Wednesday to strengthen the military's readiness posture against what he called "complex" security threats. Air Force Gen. Jin Yong-sung made the remark as he attended a parliamentary confirmation hearing for the top military officer post.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Jin emphasized his commitment to preparing a military readiness posture capable of prevailing against complex security threats. He vowed to enhance the country's three-axis deterrence system and prioritize military cooperation centered on national interest and pragmatism. Jin also highlighted the importance of strengthening the military's operational capabilities through a firm South Korea-U.S. alliance, particularly in the context of the ongoing efforts to transfer wartime operational control (OPCON) to Seoul from Washington.
"Under the steadfast South Korea-U.S. alliance, I will try to achieve at an early period core military capabilities and a combined, joint operational implementation system ... through this, I will lead efforts for a systemic and stable wartime OPCON transfer," Jin stated. Earlier this month, the government confirmed the OPCON transfer as a key policy task for President Lee Jae Myung's five-year term and announced plans to develop a road map for the "conditions-based" transition. South Korea had transferred operational control of its troops to the U.S.-led U.N. Command during the 1950-53 Korean War, and while peacetime OPCON was regained in 1994, wartime OPCON remains under U.S. control.
Jin also addressed the issue of North Korea, affirming that the North Korean regime and military are considered clear enemies. "The North Korean regime and the North Korean military are clear enemies. The JCS will sternly respond should anyone pose a threat to our country and the people," he asserted. Regarding the suspended inter-Korean military tension reduction agreement, Jin expressed a commitment to maintaining a sufficient readiness posture while participating in efforts to ease tension in the border area.
If appointed, Jin aims to rebuild the military to ensure political neutrality and public trust and to advance military capabilities through cutting-edge technology.