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Quotes of the Day:
"Action without intelligence is a form of insanity, but intelligence without action is the greatest form of stupidity in the world."
- Charles F. Kettering
"Speech is conveniently located midway between thought and action, where it often substitutes for both."
- John Andrew Holmes
"I wish to preach, not the doctrine of ignoble ease, but the doctrine of the strenuous life, the life of toil and effort, labor and strife; to preach that highest form of success which comes, not to the man who desires mere easy peace, but to the man who does not shrink from danger, from hardship, or bitter toil, and who out of these wins the splendid ultimate triumph."
- Theodore Roosevelt
1. Biden voiced concerns about ‘illicit’ N. Korean nuclear, missile programs in talks with Xi: official
2. Yoon highlights threat posed by Russia-N. Korea military cooperation
3. Korea, US, Japan show off strength of trilateral ties at APEC
4. Ex-UN chief, former world leaders urge Biden to draw up new Mideast peace plan
5. North Korea's denial of Hamas ties shows its fear of consequences
6. Pathetic military leaders
7. Yoon, Kishida aim for better ties; island issues may constrain
8. Yoon-Xi summit currently under discussion
9. DOD, Republic of Korea Ministry of National Defense Enter Into Security of Supply Arrangement
10. Vice defense chief calls for int'l cooperation against N. Korea nuclear threats
11. Two N. Korean defectors en route to S. Korea arrested in Yunnan Province
12. N. Korean woman murdered during robbery of harvested crops
13. N. Korea sends delegation to Russia to learn about satellites
14. South Korea should take charge of the UN Command’s evolution
1. Biden voiced concerns about ‘illicit’ N. Korean nuclear, missile programs in talks with Xi: official
I would certainly hope he did.
Biden voiced concerns about ‘illicit’ N. Korean nuclear, missile programs in talks with Xi: official | Yonhap News Agency
en.yna.co.kr
Song Sang-ho
North Korea 10:54 November 17, 2023
By Song Sang-ho
WASHINGTON, Nov. 16 (Yonhap) — U.S. President Joe Biden expressed worries about North Korea’s “illicit” nuclear and missile programs during his summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in California this week, a senior U.S. official said Thursday.
National Security Council Senior Director for China and Taiwan Affairs Sarah Beran made the remarks during an online press briefing on the summit that took place at the Filoli estate in Woodside, south of San Francisco, on Wednesday.
“He raised concerns regarding the DPRK’s illicit ballistic and nuclear program,” she said, referring to the North by its official name, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.
Beran said that in a number of different engagements with Chinese officials, the United States has raised a range of North Korean issues, including burgeoning military cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow.
“We’ve focused on our concerns with the growing relationship between the DPRK and Russia, what that means for denuclearization of the peninsula, what that could mean for Russia’s U.N. Security Council obligations and the potential for another nuclear test,” she said.
“I think we’ve been pretty consistent in raising those concerns and urging the Chinese to think seriously about what it means, what the impact would be on regional security as well,” she added.
During the briefing, Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Kritenbrink also said U.S. officials have continuously talked about North Korea-related concerns with Chinese officials and noted Beijing’s role in deterring North Korea’s threats and encouraging it to return to dialogue.
“It is not surprising that we would continue to raise these issues with our Chinese counterparts,” he said.
Wednesday’s summit between Biden and Xi dealt with a wide range of issues, including the war in Ukraine, the war between Israel and the Hamas militant group, human rights and the South China Sea, as well as Taiwan, a self-ruling democracy that China regards as its territory.
The two sides agreed to resume bilateral military communications and curb illicit fentanyl production in a display of their desire to stabilize the taut relationship between the two superpowers.
The meeting between Biden and Xi was their second in-person talks following their last summit during the Group of 20 summit in Bali, Indonesia, last November. It also marks their seventh interaction since Biden took office in January 2021.
U.S. President Joe Biden (L) meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Filoli estate in Woodside, California, on Nov. 15, 2023, in this photo released by Reuters. (Yonhap)
sshluck@yna.co.kr
(END)
Keywords
#Biden #Xi
2. Yoon highlights threat posed by Russia-N. Korea military cooperation
(LEAD) Yoon highlights threat posed by Russia-N. Korea military cooperation | Yonhap News Agency
en.yna.co.kr · by Lee Haye-ah · November 17, 2023
(ATTN: UPDATES with additional bilateral meetings; CHANGES headline)
By Lee Haye-ah
SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 16 (Yonhap) -- South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol highlighted the threat posed by military cooperation between Russia and North Korea in his meetings with leaders on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit Thursday, according to his office.
In bilateral meetings with the leaders of Peru, Japan, Chile and Vietnam, Yoon "stressed that military cooperation between Russia and North Korea is a threat to global security and discussed ways to work together against such illegal cooperation that undermines the rules-based order," Principal Deputy National Security Adviser Kim Tae-hyo told reporters.
The remarks come as North Korea is believed to have provided Russia with munitions and weapons for its war in Ukraine in exchange for Moscow's help with Pyongyang's weapons programs.
Yoon and Peruvian President Dina Boluarte reaffirmed during their meeting that their countries are comprehensive strategic partners sharing core values, the presidential office said in a press release.
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol (R) shakes hands with Peruvian President Dina Boluarte during their talks in San Francisco on Nov. 16, 2023, on the sidelines of a summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum. (Yonhap)
South Korea and Peru marked the 60th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations this year and Thursday's summit was the first between their leaders in eight years.
"The president noted the defense industry cooperation that has taken place between the two countries thus far in diverse areas, including KT-1P turboprop trainers and naval vessels, and said he is aware that the Peruvian government is pushing to introduce wheeled armored vehicles and new fighter jets," the presidential office said.
"(Yoon) asked for Peru's interest and support for our companies' armored cars and FA-50s that have proven their excellence," it added.
Yoon additionally voiced hope for increased cooperation in the minerals sector, given that Peru is one of the world's largest producers of copper, silver and zinc.
He also sought Peru's support for South Korea's bid to host the 2030 World Expo in its southeastern city of Busan.
Boluarte said she hopes to continue defense industry cooperation with South Korea, and to see the active participation of South Korean companies in various infrastructure projects being pursued in Peru.
The two leaders promised close cooperation ahead of Peru's APEC chairmanship next year and South Korea's chairmanship in 2025, to ensure the forum contributes to prosperity and sustainable growth within the APEC region.
In his meeting with Chilean President Gabriel Boric, Yoon expressed South Korea's wish to establish a "critical minerals partnership" with the South American country, which has the largest lithium reserves in the world, the presidential office said.
hague@yna.co.kr
(END)
en.yna.co.kr · by Lee Haye-ah · November 17, 2023
3. Korea, US, Japan show off strength of trilateral ties at APEC
Looking good gentlemen. :-)
Korea, US, Japan show off strength of trilateral ties at APEC
The Korea Times · November 17, 2023
From left, President Yoon Suk Yeol, U.S. President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida pose ahead of their meeting on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in San Francisco, Thursday (local time). AP-Yonhap
Yoon, Kishida hold 7th bilateral summit of this year
By Nam Hyun-woo
President Yoon Suk Yeol, U.S. President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida showed the strength of their trilateral ties during a meeting at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in San Francisco, Thursday (local time), with Biden saying that he could lighten his burden thanks to Yoon and Kishida.
The remark came as Washington's diplomatic capabilities are stretched simultaneously between two wars — in Ukraine and in Gaza — causing concerns that Biden may face problems in handling geopolitical issues in the Indo-Pacific. Against this backdrop, Biden's comment is interpreted as an expression of gratitude that the amicable relations between Seoul and Tokyo are serving a pivotal role in Washington's Indo-Pacific strategy.
According to Seoul's First Deputy Director of National Security Kim Tae-hyo, the three leaders met on the sidelines of the APEC summit, and continued conversing for about 30 minutes after the meeting.
It was the first standalone meeting between the leaders after their trilateral summit on Aug. 18 at Camp David in the United States. During the G7 summit in Hiroshima, Japan on May 21, the three leaders spoke for about 2 minutes instead of holding a formal summit and had a photoshoot to show their commitment to trilateral cooperation.
"During the meeting, Biden said that, as the president of the U.S., he was able to lighten his burden in performing his duties, thanks to President Yoon and Prime Minister Kishida," Kim said.
According to an official at the presidential office, the leaders acknowledged the successful functioning of their trilateral comprehensive cooperation scheme established during the Camp David summit.
They shared the belief that military security can be enhanced through advanced technologies, so technological partners should have a "100 percent agreement" on each other's military, political systems and ideologies. And the leaders believe that the three countries share such relations, the official said.
"Given the current relations between the three countries, Biden's comment is interpreted as diplomatic rhetoric appreciating the importance of trilateral cooperation in the U.S. Indo-Pacific strategy," said Go Myong-hyun, a research fellow at the Asan Institute for Policy Studies.
"With the U.S. juggling two wars at the same time, it cannot afford a third geopolitical crisis, for example, like, a potential conflict in Taiwan. South Korea and Japan can make limited contributions to the war in Ukraine or the conflict between Israel and Hamas, but their improved bilateral relations are playing a key role in the U.S. Indo-Pacific strategy of containing China's assertion."
President Yoon Suk Yeol and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, second from left, laugh during their summit at a hotel in San Francisco, Thursday (local time). Joint Press Corps
As Biden desires, bilateral relations between South Korea and Japan continue to improve.
Hours before the three leaders' met, Yoon and Kishida held a bilateral summit, which was the seventh one this year alone.
"This year, our bilateral cooperation is deepening at each level, including summits, and consultation bodies between our governments are already fully restored," Yoon said in his opening remarks, referring to the resumption of a series of security policies, economic cooperation and vice foreign ministerial talks.
Referring to the prime minister by his first name, Yoon said, "Going forward, I will continue to work together with Prime Minister Fumio to enable our two countries to communicate closely in each sector, including through high-level economic consultations."
Kishida said that he felt reassured by the close cooperation between South Korea and Japan in flying their citizens out of Israel, and expressed hopes of further cooperation in the fields of politics, security, economy and culture.
Meanwhile, Yoon had a brief conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping before the first session of the APEC summit. According to Seoul's presidential office, they exchanged cordial greetings and expressed gratitude for Yoon's meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Xi's meeting with Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo in September.
It remains uncertain whether Yoon and Xi can have an official summit during their stay in San Francisco. The official at the presidential office said, "Talks are still ongoing over a possible Yoon-Xi summit, but it remains uncertain if they can meet due to their busy schedules."
The Korea Times · November 17, 2023
4. Ex-UN chief, former world leaders urge Biden to draw up new Mideast peace plan
Ex-UN chief, former world leaders urge Biden to draw up new Mideast peace plan
The Korea Times · November 17, 2023
Ban Ki-moon, former United Nations secretary-general and deputy chair of The Elders, listens to questions during a press conference at the Grand Hyatt Seoul hotel in Yongsan District, May 31. Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul
By Nam Hyun-woo
Former United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and other members of a group of senior independent global leaders urged U.S. President Joe Biden to come up with "a serious peace plan that undermines extremists" in the conflict between Israel and Hamas.
In an open letter to Biden, Thursday, the group, The Elders, noted that Biden has "a historic opportunity" to help end the Israel-Palestine conflict permanently, and called for the U.S. President to "set out a serious peace plan, and help build a new coalition for peace to deliver it."
"The only way to make Israelis and Palestinians safe is a lasting political solution," the letter read. "It must guarantee the security of Israel, whose people remain under threat. And it must meet Palestinians’ legitimate aspirations for their own state."
The Elders noted that the world has spoken of a two-state solution "for too long," but allowed Israel to build a one-state reality, which suits extremists in Israel and Palestine who deny the other country's right to exist.
The two-state solution is a proposed framework for resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict by establishing two states for two peoples ― Israel for the Jews and Palestine for the Palestinians.
"It is time to end the empty rhetoric, and implement a serious peace plan that undermines extremists," the letter read.
The group continued that the plan should answer who runs Gaza next, end Israel's accelerating annexation of Palestinian land, and address Israel's legitimate security concerns. It also has to recognize the equal rights of Palestinians and Israelis, and be rooted in international laws.
Noting that Israelis and Palestinians will not end their conflict on their own, The Elders said that the U.S. cannot bring peace to the Middle Eastt on its own, and should build a peace coalition with other countries.
"U.S. credibility and interests across the world are at stake," the letter read. "Israeli policies of expanding illegal settlements in the West Bank, and normalizing relations with Arab countries while bypassing the Palestinians, have not made Israelis safe. Successive U.S. governments have been complicit in these failures."
Founded by Nelson Mandela in 2007, The Elders is an international organization of senior statesmen, peace activists and human rights advocates. Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland, is the chair of The Elders and Ban is the deputy chair of the group.
The Elders paid a visit to President Yoon Suk Yeol on May 30, and held a press conference on May 31 in Seoul. Back then, they urged China to play a responsible role in addressing North Korea's nuclear and missile threats.
The Korea Times · November 17, 2023
5. North Korea's denial of Hamas ties shows its fear of consequences
Admin nothing. Deny everything, Make counter accusations.
Be afraid. Kim. Be very afraid. Maybe he fears retaliation from Israel. (note sarcasm).
North Korea's denial of Hamas ties shows its fear of consequences
The Korea Times · November 17, 2023
An Israeli soldier stands near armaments during an official media tour in Israel, Oct. 26. Israel's military said a portion of the weapons used by Hamas during the militant group's Oct. 7 attacks were made in North Korea. Experts told The Korea Times recently that North Korea denies its ties with the Palestinian terrorist group because it has a lot to lose by admitting them. AFP-Yonhap
More sanctions, Israeli retaliation: regime has much to lose by admitting connection
By Jung Min-ho
Hamas calls North Korea an ally. Evidence supports the claim. Yet the North vehemently denies any ties with the Palestinian terrorist group.
Speaking to The Korea Times recently, analysts said North Korea’s denial suggests a fear of possible consequences. Admission of their arms trade with the likes of Hamas would put the regime in deeper trouble, adding new sanctions, risking Israeli retaliation and wasting a golden opportunity that may arise after the U.S. presidential election next year, they added.
“I think North Korea fears any information that would characterize it as a rogue state. That kind of information could increase sanctions against North Korea and lead to more effective interdiction of its weapons flowing to Gaza,” said Bruce Bennett, a senior defense analyst at the RAND Corporation, a California-based think tank.
“I think North Korea may also fear Israeli retaliation, which may not occur immediately but could occur eventually.”
A series of coordinated attacks on Israel by Hamas on Oct. 13 united mainstream politicians in the United States behind Israel, including President Joe Biden and Donald Trump, the former president and leading Republican candidate for the presidential election next year.
Biden has maintained his unwavering support for Israel despite intensifying criticism from the liberal, Palestine-sympathetic wing of the Democratic Party. Meanwhile, Trump, whom experts say North Korea prefers as president, has also repeatedly expressed his support for the Jewish state, calling it “one of our closest and most cherished allies.”
A car passes with its occupants waving Israeli flags and a "Trump 2024" poster as hundreds of people demonstrate in support of Israel in front of the West Los Angeles federal building in Los Angeles, Oct. 10. The Hamas assault on Israel civilians has united mainstream politicians in the U.S., including President Joe Biden and Donald Trump, former president and leading Republican candidate for next year's presidential election. EPA-Yonhap
During the election campaign season, issues regarding North Korea and Hamas are expected to emerge. Pyongyang apparently would not want to be in the same category as the anti-Jewish militant group as it would undermine its long-term diplomatic goals, experts said.
“North Korean misbehavior could become a political issue in the United States, which could hurt North Korea. Note how often North Korea has said that it is a responsible nuclear weapon state, and how much North Korea wants U.S. recognition of the North as a nuclear weapon state. Firm evidence of North Korea backing Hamas could undermine North Korea’s chances in these areas in the future,” Bennett said.
After the terrorist attack, which killed nearly 1,200 Israeli civilians and soldiers, authorities in Israel seized the weapons used and displayed what they found to journalists. Among them were North Korean-made F-7 rocket-propelled grenades (RPG) and 122-millimeter artillery shells. But North Korea denied that connection, calling it a “groundless and false rumor” in contrast to the position of Ali Barakeh, a senior Hamas official, who said earlier this month that North Korea may intervene in the Israel-Hamas war as “part of (our) alliance,” a message to which Pyongyang did not react.
North Korean-made F-7 rocket-propelled grenades, many with a distinctive red stripe on their warhead, are seen at an Israeli military base in southern Israel, Oct. 15. AP-Yonhap
However experts said the claim about the Hamas-North Korea network is credible, given the long history of North Korea’s ties to rogue regimes in unstable regions around the world.
“North Korean small arms have turned up in several conflict areas in the past including in Sri Lanka and Africa. North Korean small arms are reliable and relatively inexpensive, and I'm sure Hamas is sensitive to price,” said Daniel Pinkston, an East Asia expert at Troy University in South Korea.
“Furthermore, its arms exports are prohibited under U.N. Security Council resolutions, so potential buyers are limited to illicit buyers such as Hamas.”
Both Bennett and Mason Richey, a professor of international politics at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, believe North Korean weapons passed through intermediaries such as Iran before reaching the hands of Hamas fighters. Asked about the possibility that the North did not know the end customer when it sold them to middlemen, they said it is highly unlikely.
“I have heard that North Korea has provided military weapons (such as Scud and Musudan — BM-25 — missiles) and services to many countries, including Syria and Iran. I have heard that there are even North Korean military personnel in Gaza as trainers and observers,” Bennett said. “That didn’t happen without North Korean awareness.”
Yet North Korea has no sympathy for Hamas or ordinary Palestinians. Making hard currency and disrupting the rules-based global order were the chief reasons behind its move to form — and maintain — such arms trade networks, experts said.
“Kim supports Hamas and other actors that have grievances with the West. The grievances of Russia, China, Hamas and North Korea do not perfectly overlap. However, they all seek a transformation of the world order, albeit in different ways,” Pinkston said.
“Their visions for the future are different in terms of governance and geographic boundaries, but they will cooperate in a limited transactional manner when convenient.”
The Korea Times · November 17, 2023
6. Pathetic military leaders (Criticism of ROK military)
Pathetic military leaders
The Korea Times · November 16, 2023
Stronger alliances can’t make up for lax discipline
Koreans have some misconceptions about their liberal and conservative leaders.
Such prejudices stand out in two areas: economy and defense.
People believe the economy grew faster under tight-fisted conservative presidents than welfare-minded liberals. Still, statistics show the growth rate was higher under progressive leaders.
The public also thinks inter-Korean hawks focused more on defense than doves. However, dovish ex-President Roh Moo-hyun, who stressed self-reliant defense, spent more on armed forces than business-oriented Lee Myung-bak, a hawk. Another dove, Moon Jae-in, made a drastic arms buildup in his later days, inviting backlash from North Korea.
Nevertheless, military leaders preferred hawks to doves. They disliked Roh, who tried to retake wartime operational control from the U.S. These generals and admirals said the move was premature and would hurt the alliance with America. However, their disapproval of Roh seemed to stem from other reasons.
Watching the confirmation hearing on Vice Admiral Kim Myung-soo, the nominee for the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, was pathetic. From May 2021 to last month, Kim was found to have made about 50 stock trades — during office hours. He did so even in January 2022, when North Korea launched missiles frequently. Kim also teed off 70 times, including twice last year when the North fired ICBMs.
Kim said he was out of the chain of command in those years. Even some ruling party lawmakers had to press him on whether behaving like that in emergencies, regardless of his position, was appropriate. Defense Minister Shin Won-sik, who took the post weeks ago, also came under fire for sending messages on stock trade before attending a National Assembly session. The two are not exceptions. If North Korea is to make another provocation, it might choose a sunny day with active stock trading.
Even more surprisingly, President Yoon Suk Yeol, the hawk of hawks, promoted Kim to full admiral only days ago to name him the chairman of JCS. It’s hard to know whether Yoon’s aides have forgotten about vetting key nominees or there were other reasons for favoring Kim.
The president has appointed most officials disapproved by the Assembly. Still, he must not do so as far as national security is concerned. People are more puzzled because the nomination came after Yoon emphasized “restoring military discipline” and “strengthening defense posture.”
Contrary to his dovish predecessor, Yoon stated clearly that North Korea is the “main enemy” from his candidate days. He then beefed up Seoul’s alliance with Washington, as seen by the shift to a “tailored deterrence strategy.” Good. Reinforcing shields cannot be overemphasized.
However, it is less easy to understand Seoul’s attempts to reinvigorate the United Nations Command (UNC). In 1950, South Korea was no match for the North, militarily and economically. The South’s economy is now 50 times larger than the North’s, and Seoul spends far more on defense than Pyongyang’s entire annual budget. Should it still fly the U.N. flag?
The defense minister and JCS chairman nominee want to nullify a 2018 military agreement between the two Koreas that was signed to avoid accidental clashes. True, the accord makes it somewhat cumbersome to monitor the North’s moves. Still, experts say it poses no major difficulties in surveillance, and scrapping it will only provide excuses for Pyongyang’s violations.
With or without the agreement, South Korea’s land, sea, and airspace are full of holes. The South could do nothing when North Korean drones flew over Seoul. Soldiers in the DMZ failed to spot a North Korean defector returning to the North. The Navy was not even aware of a North Korean family crossing the sea border until they were spotted by fishermen.
People feel far safer when inter-Korean dialogues and airtight defense go together instead of saber-rattling by "chicken hawks." They may welcome a stronger alliance with the world’s most powerful nation, but don’t want their country to stand at the vanguard of a renewed Cold War.
Koreans hope the military of the world’s 10th-largest economy is more independent, confident, and disciplined. The commander-in-chief and his generals should ponder whether they are making people feel that way.
The Korea Times · November 16, 2023
7. Yoon, Kishida aim for better ties; island issues may constrain
DokDo, Takeshima, Liancourt Rocks.
The leaders must accept political risks (as they have been doing) and be bigger than the issues.
Yoon, Kishida aim for better ties; island issues may constrain
Ongoing territorial disputes could hamper full security cooperation, says an expert.
By Lee Jeong-Ho for RFA
2023.11.16
Seoul, South Korea
rfa.org
South Korea and Japan are set to improve their once-strained relations across sectors including security and technology – a development aligning with the U.S. President Joe Biden’s strategy to maintain Washington’s influence in Asia, amidst ongoing security challenges in Europe and the Middle East.
However, ongoing territorial disputes between the two nations may limit the scope of their bilateral security cooperation, an expert noted.
South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol and Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida met in San Francisco Thursday, and vowed for further enhancement of the bilateral relations. The latest meeting marked Yoon and Kishida’s seventh summit this year.
“The reinstatement of the Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue last month marks the complete restoration of all intergovernmental agreements reached during my visit to Japan in March. All arrangements are now fully operational,” Yoon told Kishida.
“The close cooperation between Japan and Korea in relation to the evacuation of their nationals from Israel is very reassuring,” Kishida told Yoon, referring to the incidents where both countries allowed their citizens to use each other’s military cargo planes for evacuation from Israel after an attack by Hamas.
The cooperation signaled a positive shift in the previously tense relationship between the neighboring states.
“The two leaders agreed to cooperate more closely on global challenges,” South Korea’s Presidential Office said in a statement Friday, adding that the two will work closely on issues such as North Korea and Ukraine.
Yoon and Kishida proposed collaboration in a wide range of areas, including advanced science and technology, at a trilateral level including the U.S., the statement added.
The relationship between the two countries had deteriorated over historical disputes in recent years. The main points of contention were Japan’s practices during its 1910-1945 colonization of the Korean peninsula, particularly the forced recruitment of women into wartime brothels for the Japanese military and the use of forced labor.
The tense relations were further exacerbated by their close ties to domestic politics, a sensitive and challenging area to navigate. The prolonged strain adversely affected Washington’s strategy in Asia, as it hindered the establishment of open bilateral security relations between these two key U.S. allies.
The lack of cooperation between the two American allies in Asia has hindered Washington’s efforts to strengthen its presence in the region, particularly in the face of expansionist moves from China and Russia.
But the South Korea-Japan relations showed signs of improvement following an initiative by South Korea’s President Yoon earlier this year. He proposed the creation of a public foundation aimed at compensating victims of wartime forced labor by Japan, a move intended to ease the strained ties.
The enhanced relations and consequent security cooperation could facilitate the containment of potential expansionist moves of non-democratic states in the region. With South Korea and Japan demonstrating their military capabilities, the U.S. could benefit from a more cost-effective approach to containing these authoritarian regimes.
It could also sustain Washington’s presence in the Asian region as it aims to resolve security crises in Ukraine and Israel.
Cheon Seong-whun, a former security strategy secretary for South Korea's presidential office, said the enhanced cooperation would no doubt benefit the Asia strategy of the U.S., although it has its limits.
“Cooperation between South Korea and Japan is beneficial for maintaining security order in the region. However, South Korea-Japan security cooperation inevitably has its limits, mainly because Japan raises territorial issues with South Korea,” Cheon said. “These countries are officially embroiled in a territorial dispute, and under such circumstances, full security cooperation is not possible.”
South Korea and Japan are currently disputing over the contested South Korea-controlled island called Dokdo in Korean and Takeshima in Japanese, in the Sea of Japan, also known as East Sea.
“It’s like asking if there can be proper security cooperation if Canada claimed New Hampshire as its own. For fundamental security cooperation to be possible, territorial issues must be resolved,” Cheon added, issuing a warning against being overly optimistic about the bilateral security cooperation to a full extent.
Edited by Taejun Kang and Elaine Chan.
rfa.org
8. Yoon-Xi summit currently under discussion
Friday
November 17, 2023
dictionary + A - A
Published: 17 Nov. 2023, 14:02
Updated: 17 Nov. 2023, 14:05
Yoon-Xi summit currently under discussion
https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2023-11-17/national/diplomacy/YoonXi-summit-currently-under-discussion/1915654
President Yoon Suk Yeol, right, and Chinese President Xi Jinping, left, greet each other at the APEC Summit in San Fransico on Thursday. [JOINT PRESS CORPS]
The Korean presidential office said it is currently discussing with its Chinese counterpart a summit between President Yoon Suk Yeol and Chinese President Xi Jinping in San Francisco.
If the summit is held, it would be their second summit since the two met at the G20 held in Bali, Indonesia, in November 2022.
Related Article
“Because of the tight schedule, it is hard to guarantee that the summit will be held until the last minute,” said a high-ranking official at the presidential office. “But we still have one more day left.”
Xi held his first summit in a year with U.S. President Joe Biden on Wednesday, and held a summit with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Thursday.
However, a meeting with Yoon has not been scheduled.
The presidential office official said China was focusing all of its energy on Xi’s meeting with Biden.
“Then they will have to decide which country they want to hold close discussions with next,” the official said. “The summit between China and Japan was brief.”
Kim Tae-hyo, the National Security Office’s first deputy director, said Yoon and Xi talked for three to four minutes ahead of the APEC summit’s first session.
“I was told that they exchanged pleasantries about how glad they were to meet again after a year,” Kim said.
Kim added that Yoon reportedly told Xi that he hoped that he would make good progress at the APEC summit, to which Xi replied that he certainly will.
The deputy director added that during the meeting, the Chinese president told Yoon that he hoped for cooperation between the two countries.
BY LEE HO-JEONG [lee.hojeong@joongang.co.kr]
9. DOD, Republic of Korea Ministry of National Defense Enter Into Security of Supply Arrangement
DOD, Republic of Korea Ministry of National Defense Enter Into Security of Supply Arrangement
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Nov. 16, 2023 |×
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The Department of Defense today announced entrance into a bilateral, non-binding Security of Supply Arrangement (SOSA) with the Republic of Korea. The arrangement will enable both the U.S. and the Republic of Korea to acquire the industrial resources they need to quickly meet defense requirements, resolve unanticipated disruptions that challenge defense capabilities, and promote supply chain resiliency.
"Allies and partners are foundational to our National Defense Strategy, especially throughout the Indo-Pacific," said Dr. William A. LaPlante, Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment. "This Security of Supply Arrangement represents another important step forward in the seven-decade defense relationship between the U.S. and the Republic of Korea, strengthening the resiliency and security of our national defense programs and furthering opportunity for future, long-term collaboration."
The SOSA was recently signed by both Dr. LaPlante and Mr. Eom Dong-hwan, Minister of the Defense Acquisition Program Administration.
In the Arrangement, the U.S. and the ROK commit intent to support one another's priority delivery requests for procurement of critical national defense resources. The U.S. will provide the ROK assurances under the U.S. Defense Priorities and Allocations System (DPAS), with program determinations by DoD and rating authorization by the Department of Commerce (DOC). The ROK will in turn establish a government-industry Code of Conduct with its industrial base, where ROK firms will voluntarily agree to make every reasonable effort to provide the U.S. priority support.
SOSAs are an important mechanism for DoD to strengthen interoperability with defense trade partners. The Arrangements institute working groups, establish communication mechanisms, streamline DoD processes, and proactively act to allay anticipated supply chain issues in peacetime, emergency, and armed conflict. For more information, visit: https://www.businessdefense.gov/security-of-supply.html
The ROK is the sixteenth SOSA partner of the U.S. Other SOSA partners include Australia, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.
About the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy (OASD (IBP)
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10. Vice defense chief calls for int'l cooperation against N. Korea nuclear threats
Vice defense chief calls for int'l cooperation against N. Korea nuclear threats
koreaherald.com · by Yonhap · November 17, 2023
By Yonhap
Published : Nov. 17, 2023 - 10:29
South Korea's Vice Defense Minister Kim Seon-ho speaks during the ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting-Plus in Jakarta on Thursday. (Yonhap)
Vice Defense Minister Kim Seon-ho called for strengthening international cooperation against North Korea's nuclear and missile threats at an international security meeting led by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, his ministry said Friday.
Kim made the call at the ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting-Plus in Jakarta on Thursday, attended by top defense officials from nine ASEAN countries and eight others, including U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, according to the ministry.
"(Kim) called North Korea's nuclear and missile development challenges not only for the Korean Peninsula but for the world and urged aligned efforts from the international community for North Korea's denuclearization," it said.
In an apparent swipe at Russia, Kim called engaging in the weapons trade with North Korea a violation of international law that can never be accepted. South Korean and U.S. officials have accused Russia of receiving arms and military equipment from Pyongyang.
Kim also highlighted the importance of international solidarity to protect a "rules-based" order and a "free, peaceful and prosperous" Indo-Pacific, it said.
On the margins of the gathering, Kim held separate bilateral talks with the Philippines' Secretary of National Defense Gilberto C. Teodoro and Laos' Defense Minister Chansamone Chanyalath.
Kim and Teodoro agreed to work together to develop defense and arms industry ties and shared the view on the importance of peacefully resolving disputes in the South China Sea, the ministry said.
During his talks with Chanyalath, Kim pledged to support Laos in its role as the chair of ASEAN next year. (Yonhap)
koreaherald.com · by Yonhap · November 17, 2023
11. Two N. Korean defectors en route to S. Korea arrested in Yunnan Province
They should be given refugee status and allowed to proceed to their destination. But instead they will be forcibly repatriated by China to face certain imprisonment, torture, and possibly death.
Two N. Korean defectors en route to S. Korea arrested in Yunnan Province
One of the defectors had failed several times to reach South Korea, but was caught by her Chinese husband and neighbors each time
By Lee Chae Un - 2023.11.17 5:00pm
dailynk.com
Two N. Korean defectors en route to S. Korea arrested in Yunnan Province | Daily NK English
FILE PHOTO: North Korean laborers at China’s Dandong Station waiting to depart back to North Korea. (Daily NK)
Two North Korean defectors have been arrested by Chinese police in Kunming, Yunnan Province, after an attempt to reach South Korea, Daily NK has learned.
Speaking on condition of anonymity for security reasons, a Daily NK source in China said Wednesday that the two defectors, who lived in a rural community in Liaoning Province, “met with misfortune last month when they left their home to go to South Korea, taking a taxi for the four-day trip to Kunming, only to be arrested by Chinese police upon arriving in the city.”
According to the source, one of the defectors had failed several times to reach South Korea. She ran away from home three times since 2019, but was caught by her Chinese husband and neighbors each time.
For several years, she had to live under the control and watchful eye of her Chinese husband and his family. They removed her mobile phone, allowing her to use it again only from June last year.
“As soon as she got her mobile phone back, she thought again about going to South Korea,” the source said. “However, because she could run off only if she put her Chinese family at ease, she was just searching for brokers when, in September, another defector who lived nearby suggested they go to South Korea together and they then agreed to leave together.”
Afterward, the two searched for separate brokers to maximize their safety and give them options in terms of price. Then, an acquaintance introduced them to a broker who said he could send them to South Korea for KRW 2.5 million (around USD 1,916) a person.
Most brokers ask for at least KRW 10 million (around USD 7,667) upfront, an enormous burden on defectors who wish to go to South Korea. But the broker offering to send them for just KRW 2.5 million, so the defectors decided to leave home without hesitation.
The pair successfully escaped their homes and took a taxi to Kunming, but were arrested when they were snagged in a Chinese police ID check.
“It seems their tracks were discovered because they left with their police-registered mobile phones rather than leaving them at home,” the source said. “They may have been arrested because the police in Kunming called a number in their mobile phones to confirm whether they were really defectors who lived in China.
“They tried to head to South Korea to escape their difficult lives in China, but now, they face an even bigger risk of being repatriated to North Korea,” he continued, adding that while the pair currently remain with the Kunming police, “we have to wait and see what happens to them.”
Translated by David Black. Edited by Robert Lauler.
Daily NK works with a network of sources who live inside North Korea, China and elsewhere. Their identities remain anonymous due to security concerns. More information about Daily NK’s reporting partner network and information gathering activities can be found on our FAQ page here.
Please direct any comments or questions about this article to dailynkenglish@uni-media.net.
Read in Korean
Lee Chae Un
Lee Chae Un is one of Daily NK’s full-time journalists. She can be reached at dailynkenglish@uni-media.net.
dailynk.com
12. N. Korean woman murdered during robbery of harvested crops
Politics? Or do harsh conditions lead to desperate measures?
N. Korean woman murdered during robbery of harvested crops
Hyesan police are looking into whether the killing was done for political purposes ahead of upcoming local elections
By Shin Yong-geon - 2023.11.17 10:00am
dailynk.com
N. Korean woman murdered during robbery of harvested crops | Daily NK English
FILE PHOTO: A woman in Wonsan, Kangwon Province, rides her bike past propaganda signs promoting the protection of forests. (Daily NK)
In late October, a young woman in Hyesan, Yanggang Province, was killed by an assailant who attacked her as she was carrying harvested crops to a local market, Daily NK has learned.
According to a joint investigation order issued by the Hyesan police, which was obtained by Daily NK on Nov. 8, the woman in her 20s — identified by her family name of Sin — was murdered by an unknown individual on a path near Sinbo Village, Hyesan, on the morning of Oct. 20.
Sin was killed by the assailant as she was taking soybeans she had harvested to sell at a local market.
The victim’s family told local police that Sin was wearing a khaki backpack and carrying a gray burlap bag when she left home. The burlap bag contained 10 kilograms of beans.
Sin’s body showed signs that she was strangled and hit on the head with a rock. Police believe the assailant murdered her to take the items she was carrying. However, the police have no idea who the culprit is.
Hyesan police are looking into whether the killing was done for political purposes, as the crime occurred immediately after the Workers’ Party of Korea and Cabinet jointly issued an order for the party, government and legal authorities to strengthen control ahead of local elections.
A young woman in Hyesan, Yanggang Province, was killed by an unknown assailant in broad daylight while on her way to the market on Oct. 20. Daily NK obtained a joint investigation order issued by Hyesan police. (© Daily NK)
North Korea usually intensifies crackdowns and security ahead of elections and other political events to prevent the occurrence of incidents and accidents.
“Since the killing happened on the day when full-scale preparations for local elections began, some people think it was no mere murder, but a political plot,” a source told Daily NK, speaking on condition of anonymity for security reasons. “They also say it was no coincidence that a crime like this occurred during preparations for the upcoming elections.”
After Hyesan police declared a joint investigation into the murder and sent circulars about the case to households in each neighborhood watch unit, public fear over the killing has been growing, the source said.
“Since they’ve been unable to catch the killer, people feel bad for the victim, but they also feel uneasy that a similar killing could occur.”
Translated by David Black. Edited by Robert Lauler.
Daily NK works with a network of sources who live inside North Korea, China and elsewhere. Their identities remain anonymous due to security concerns. More information about Daily NK’s reporting partner network and information gathering activities can be found on our FAQ page here.
Please direct any comments or questions about this article to dailynkenglish@uni-media.net.
Read in Korean
dailynk.com
13. N. Korea sends delegation to Russia to learn about satellites
Will this help get north Korean satellites off the ground?
N. Korea sends delegation to Russia to learn about satellites
“We’re engaging in technical cooperation [with Russia] in the areas of communications equipment, signal processing systems, and high resolution imaging technology,” a source told Daily NK
By Seulkee Jang - 2023.11.16 5:00pm
dailynk.com
N. Korea sends delegation to Russia to learn about satellites | Daily NK English
Kim Jong Un meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at a Russian space center on September 13, 2023. (Rodong Sinmun-News1)
A North Korean technical delegation was recently sent to Russia to receive technical information about satellites, Daily NK has learned.
Speaking on condition of anonymity for security reasons, a high-ranking source inside North Korea told Daily NK on Nov. 10 that around 20 technicians and scientists with the National Aerospace Technology Administration were staying in Russia to receive technical assistance with satellites.
When asked whether the delegation was seeking information about putting the satellite into a stable orbit after the third stage (the reason for the failure of the first two satellite launches), the source told Daily NK that “we have already resolved issues related to the launch vehicle on our own, and [our technical solutions] are currently being reviewed at a higher level.”
After the failure of the second launch attempt in August, the North Korean authorities announced that “the Chollima-1 new satellite launch vehicle flew normally during both the first and second stages, but failed because of an error that occurred during the emergency blasting system in the third stage of the flight.”
While that has led some to conclude that North Korea has not managed to stabilize the technology for the rocket engine and for entering orbit, the source said that North Korea has compensated for those technical issues on its own, without help from Russia.
“We’re engaging in technical cooperation [with Russia] in the areas of communications equipment, signal processing systems, and high resolution imaging technology,” the source told Daily NK.
When asked why North Korea did not carry out a third launch in October despite publicly promising to do so, the source said: “The position [of the authorities] is that [the rocket] needs to be capable of functioning perfectly, even if that takes longer.”
The timeframe for launching the satellite is being delayed, the source said, because North Korea is determined to launch an advanced satellite that is capable of photographing enemy positions with a high-resolution camera and then transmitting that information to the ground.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed cooperation on military and aerospace technology during a summit at Vostochny Cosmodrome, Russia, on Sept. 13.
When reporters asked whether Russia would help North Korea develop a satellite, Putin said, “That’s why we came here. The leader of the DPRK [Kim Jong Un] shows great interest in rocket engineering; they are also trying to develop space.”
Since North Korea has openly expressed its determination to keep up technical cooperation on military satellites, there is a widespread sense in North Korea that the third launch must not end in failure. That has also made North Koreans leery of trying to guess when the third satellite launch will take place.
“The decision to launch the satellite will be made [by our higher ups], and nobody can know that in advance. That said, our technical delegation is still in Russia and remains in active communication with government officials,” the source said.
Translated by David Black. Edited by Robert Lauler.
Daily NK works with a network of sources who live inside North Korea, China and elsewhere. Their identities remain anonymous due to security concerns. More information about Daily NK’s reporting partner network and information gathering activities can be found on our FAQ page here.
Please direct any comments or questions about this article to dailynkenglish@uni-media.net.
Read in Korean
Seulkee Jang
Seulkee Jang is one of Daily NK’s full-time journalists. Please direct any questions about her articles to dailynk@uni-media.net.
dailynk.com
14. South Korea should take charge of the UN Command’s evolution
I concur with these recommendations here.
Excerpts:
By increasing the deployment of ROK military personnel, especially non-commissioned officers who serve longer terms than commissioned officers, South Korea would not only enhance the efficiency of the UNC but also assert a stronger leadership position. This shift would not be just a logistical move but a strategic investment in the future of the Korean Peninsula’s security architecture.
In the current structure of the UNC, a four-star U.S. general leads as the commander. The deputy commander, typically a lieutenant general from a third country, is vital in supporting this mission. However, this arrangement presents an opportunity for South Korea to amplify its influence and responsibility within the UNC.
By creating an additional deputy commander position and appointing a South Korean lieutenant general, Seoul can take a more active part in the strategic decisions affecting the peninsula’s security. This move would be a step toward a more balanced leadership within the UNC, reflecting the evolving dynamics of the region.
Another aspect of regional security dynamics involves South Korea’s neighbor, Japan. The U.N. rear bases, crucial for the defense of the Korean Peninsula, are located in Japan. Yet the presence of these bases has been a source of growing discontent in Tokyo, highlighting the need for better bilateral understanding and cooperation. To address this, an innovative approach is necessary.
...
The path ahead for South Korea is clear. It involves a balanced approach that requires strengthening its internal capabilities while deepening and refining its international commitments. In doing so, South Korea will not only enhance its security but will also contribute more significantly to regional stability and peace.
The time has come for South Korea to assume a more assertive and influential role in shaping the security dynamics of the Korean Peninsula.
South Korea should take charge of the UN Command’s evolution
Shifting from a dependent ally to a proactive leader, South Korea must rewrite its military and strategic narrative
https://koreapro.org/2023/11/south-korea-should-take-charge-of-the-un-commands-evolution/?utm
Chun In-bumNovember 16, 2023
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Defense ministers and representatives from 17 U.N. member nations convene for the inaugural ROK-U.N. Defense Ministerial meeting, Nov. 14, 2023 | Image: ROK Ministry of National Defense via Facebook
In an unprecedented gathering reflecting the shifting dynamics of global geopolitics, defense ministers from South Korea and various U.N. member countries convened in Seoul on Nov. 14, 2023.
This historic meeting, marking the first of its kind in 70 years, was not just a ceremonial commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the Korean War Armistice Agreement. It was a strategic response to the looming threat of North Korea’s possible re-escalation of armed conflict — a situation that demands international attention and action.
The essence of this meeting was the collective acknowledgment of the 1953 Armistice Agreement’s crucial role in its successful defense of South Korea during the Korean War. Yet the conference went beyond the mere affirmation of this historical event.
The defense ministers, representing a global coalition, adopted a joint statement emphasizing the necessity of “Peacekeeping on the Korean Peninsula” and the importance of “Enhancing Cooperation and Solidarity Among U.N. Member States.” This statement was not just a symbolic gesture but a call for actionable steps in the face of potential security threats.
Central to their discussions was a commitment to strengthen joint military exercises and collaborative efforts, particularly between the U.S.-ROK alliance and other U.N. member states. This plan is a testament to a shared understanding: in an increasingly interconnected world, the security of one nation invariably affects the stability of others.
In a significant move, the meeting also revealed plans to bolster the U.N. Command Headquarters with international personnel. This decision highlights a mutual commitment to ongoing collaboration and a collective defense strategy, addressing the intricate challenges posed by the Korean Peninsula’s security landscape.
THE UNC’S EVOLVING ROLE
Since its establishment in 1950, following a resolution by the U.N. Security Council, the U.N. Command (UNC) has been more than just a historical relic. Initially serving as combat headquarters during the Korean War, it has transformed into a pivotal entity in upholding the Armistice Agreement, thus playing a critical role in maintaining stability on the Korean Peninsula.
However, this legacy is not without its controversies. Critics frequently accuse the UNC of being a signal that the U.S. reserves the right to use force. Others argue that it infringes upon South Korean sovereignty or raises concerns about restricted access to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), a symbol of the ongoing division and tension on the peninsula.
However, it’s crucial to recognize the role of the DPRK in militarizing the DMZ. This factor complicates the situation and aligns with Pyongyang’s narrative advocating for the dissolution of the UNC.
Addressing these challenges requires a nuanced understanding and a proactive approach. For instance, the international community, including U.N. member states that sent their troops to aid in South Korea’s defense, is increasingly diverse in its perspectives.
The continually evolving economic status of South Korea as a global powerhouse raises legitimate questions about its role in this international partnership. Will South Korea, now a prosperous nation, reciprocate the support it has received in times of crisis? This is not just a theoretical question but one that impacts the foundation of international cooperation and trust.
It should also be noted that if South Korea fails to uphold the armistice or responsibly manage tensions on the peninsula, it would be difficult for Seoul to continue to expect the full support of these nations.
Further, revitalizing the UNC with international troops presents practical difficulties. The reluctance of nations to commit personnel, compounded by budgetary constraints, necessitates a strategic approach. Here, South Korea can play a more significant role.
Defense ministers and representatives from 17 U.N. member nations convene for the inaugural ROK-U.N. Defense Ministerial meeting, Nov. 14, 2023 | Image: ROK Ministry of National Defense via Facebook
By increasing the deployment of ROK military personnel, especially non-commissioned officers who serve longer terms than commissioned officers, South Korea would not only enhance the efficiency of the UNC but also assert a stronger leadership position. This shift would not be just a logistical move but a strategic investment in the future of the Korean Peninsula’s security architecture.
In the current structure of the UNC, a four-star U.S. general leads as the commander. The deputy commander, typically a lieutenant general from a third country, is vital in supporting this mission. However, this arrangement presents an opportunity for South Korea to amplify its influence and responsibility within the UNC.
By creating an additional deputy commander position and appointing a South Korean lieutenant general, Seoul can take a more active part in the strategic decisions affecting the peninsula’s security. This move would be a step toward a more balanced leadership within the UNC, reflecting the evolving dynamics of the region.
Another aspect of regional security dynamics involves South Korea’s neighbor, Japan. The U.N. rear bases, crucial for the defense of the Korean Peninsula, are located in Japan. Yet the presence of these bases has been a source of growing discontent in Tokyo, highlighting the need for better bilateral understanding and cooperation. To address this, an innovative approach is necessary.
By integrating a few officers from Japan’s Self-Defense Forces within the UNC and reciprocally placing ROK military personnel in the rear bases in Japan, both nations can foster a deeper mutual understanding and trust. This initiative would go beyond traditional diplomacy; it would be a pragmatic step toward more robust military relations that acknowledge the interlinked security of these neighboring countries.
Perhaps the most crucial step in this security landscape is establishing a legal framework governing the status and cooperation of foreign military personnel within the UNC. Such a framework would involve formulating an agreement akin to the Status of Forces Agreement, or what could be termed a Reciprocal Access Agreement.
This would codify working conditions and the parameters for cooperation for international troops stationed in the UNC, especially during peacetime. More than just a bureaucratic formality, this agreement would be essential for swift and effective action in times of crisis, saving precious time when it matters most.
PROACTIVE ENGAGEMENT AND ROBUST SECURITY
The era of relying predominantly on external powers for its security has reached an end for South Korea. The challenges and opportunities facing the Korean Peninsula today call for a more proactive and self-reliant stance from Seoul. This shift is not just a matter of choice but a strategic imperative in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.
To reinforce the UNC and, by extension, the security of the Korean Peninsula, South Korea must move beyond rhetorical affirmations to implement substantive measures. This approach must start with a more significant leadership role within the UNC. Further, enhancing military relations with Japan through practical cooperation and personnel exchanges within the UNC framework is vital.
Establishing a robust legal framework akin to a Reciprocal Access Agreement is equally crucial. It will streamline the operational aspects of foreign military presence, ensuring that the UNC can act swiftly and effectively in crisis situations.
The path ahead for South Korea is clear. It involves a balanced approach that requires strengthening its internal capabilities while deepening and refining its international commitments. In doing so, South Korea will not only enhance its security but will also contribute more significantly to regional stability and peace.
The time has come for South Korea to assume a more assertive and influential role in shaping the security dynamics of the Korean Peninsula.
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About the Author
Chun In-bum
Retired Lieutenant General In-Bum Chun entered the Korea Military Academy in 1977. Chun was commissioned an infantry officer in 1981 as class 37. Chun became the youngest officer in the Republic of Korea (ROK) Army history to be an aide to a three-star general with a rank of lieutenant. Chun commanded a combat division and the Korean Special Forces. Chun retired from active duty as of July of 2016, and continues to contribute to the improvement of ROK military capabilities and animal welfare.
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David Maxwell
Vice President, Center for Asia Pacific Strategy
Senior Fellow, Global Peace Foundation
Editor, Small Wars Journal
Twitter: @davidmaxwell161
Phone: 202-573-8647
email: david.maxwell161@gmail.com
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