New South Korean Defense Minister Sworn in

Kim Tae-young was given a farewell ceremony as South Koreas chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, followed directly by a welcoming ceremony as the new Minister of Defense.

In his first speech as defense minister, Kim emphasized the importance of changes and reform to cope with the tension on the Korean peninsula.

[Kim Tae-young, South Korean Defense Minister]:
"All the countries in the world are trying to pursue changes and reform to exist, and we are facing military tension on the Korean peninsula and unstable situation in North Korea."

Kim intends to keep his army strong against security threats.

[Kim Tae-young, South Korean Defense Minister]:
"I will continue trying to keep the army strong. I will establish an omni-directional defending stance against comprehensive security threats and maximize the utility of our existing military strength.

The new defense minister told the parliament last year that he would order a pre-emptive strike on North Korea if it deploys any tactical nuclear weapons to any of its bases.

When asked at a parliamentary meeting on Friday, September 18th, if he holds the same position now, Kim said he thought his position would not change since that situation would be a serious threat to South Korea's national security.

Kim is now the commander in chief of more than 600,000 troops.

Kim graduated from the Korea Military Academy in 1973 and served as field operations commander and professor at the military academy.

He is regarded as an expert on foreign affairs and national security policy-making.

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• News
• South Korea
• Kim Tae-young
• North Korea

[createsutoo]

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