‘Soldier most feared by North Korea’ returns to Seoul military as Yoon talks tough on nuclear threat
- Former defence minister Kim Kwan-jin to head a key panel tasked with reforming the South Korean military
- North Korea has used images of Kim, known for his ‘shoot first, report later’ approach, as the targets for gunnery exercises
Addressing Kim as “the vice-chairman” at the committee’s first meeting, the president called for fundamental reforms, saying the military must build up an overwhelming force that can deter North Korea and, if an armed conflict occurs, completely defeat it.
Yoon steers South Korea away from China, Russia and towards US, Japan
More specifically, Yoon called on the committee members to enhance reconnaissance and surveillance abilities, develop a more precise strike capability and establish a more effective air defence system against not just fighter jets but also drones through necessary legal and administrative reforms.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, an official at the presidential office said Kim, who served also as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and national security adviser, is one of the most qualified, ideal people to play that critical role.
He also told the military to take the approach of “shoot first, report later” in a clear warning to North Korea, which refrained from testing weapons or making other major provocations over the next two years.
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North Korea warns enemies of ‘extreme horror’ as it tests new missile
Kim was apparently hated – and feared – by the regime. Its media showed his photos being used as the targets for gunnery exercises in the North.
But his reputation was tarnished in March 2018 after he was indicted on charges of political meddling and abuse of authority. In October 2022, the Supreme Court struck down a guilty verdict on his alleged abuse of power and sent the case back to the Seoul High Court.
