Acting South Korean President Han Duck-soo warned on Friday that North Korea is planning “new types of provocations” while strengthening its weapon systems, partly through cooperation with Russia. He emphasized that Seoul would respond with decisive force if Pyongyang launched any attack.
Han made these remarks during a ceremony at the Daejeon National Cemetery, marking the 10th West Sea Defense Day. The event honored the 55 South Korean service members who lost their lives defending the country’s western maritime borders in the Yellow Sea.
Han condemned North Korea’s continued pursuit of advanced weaponry, accusing the regime of prioritizing military expansion over the well-being of its people. He claimed that Pyongyang while reinforcing its arsenal through illegal arms deals with Russia, remains fixated on nuclear weapons and missile development. He further warned that North Korea’s growing military ambitions, including missile launches and electronic warfare tactics like GPS signal jamming, pose an ongoing threat to regional stability.
Han declared that the nation’s armed forces, inspired by the sacrifices of fallen heroes, would respond swiftly and decisively to any aggression. He assured the public that South Korean soldiers were fully prepared to defend the nation with formidable combat capabilities and a strong state of readiness.
Han also emphasized the importance of reinforcing South Korea’s alliance with the United States and strengthening ties with international partners to deter further provocations. He stressed that by maintaining a firm security posture, the country would prevent North Korea from attempting any military challenge against the South.
West Sea Defense Day, observed annually on the fourth Friday of March since 2016, honors the 55 South Korean service members killed in key maritime clashes with North Korea. This year’s ceremony coincided with the 15th anniversary of the Cheonan warship sinking, in which a North Korean submarine torpedoed a South Korean naval vessel near the disputed maritime border.
Han, who resumed his duties as acting president after the Constitutional Court overturned his impeachment on Monday, has called for heightened military preparedness in response to North Korea’s continued provocations. Shortly after his reinstatement, he chaired a National Security Council meeting, stressing the need for stronger defense measures amid Pyongyang’s nuclear and missile threats. His warning followed North Korea’s recent test of a next-generation air defense missile system and leader Kim Jong Un’s inspections of naval shipyards.
