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Quotes of the Day:
“There are no uninteresting things, only uninterested people.”
– G.K. Chesterton
"If you hear a voice within you say 'you cannot paint,' then by all means paint and that voice will be silenced."
– Vincent Van Gogh
“The best executive is the one who has sense enough to pick good men to do what he wants done, and self-restraint to keep from meddling with them while they do it.”
– Theodore Roosevelt
1. 2025 Annual Threat Assessment of the U.S. Intelligence Community
2. North Korean leader has ‘no intention’ of negotiating away nuclear weapons: US report
3. ‘Denuclearization of North Korea’ VS ‘Denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula’… Which is the Preferred Term?
4. Appeals court acquits opposition leader of election law violation charges
5. Ruling party expresses regret as opposition leader cleared by court in election law violation case
6. Former martial law commander denies plotting for martial law
7. Military deploys more personnel, choppers to fight wildfires
8. Armed desertion: N. Korean soldier flees after harassment from senior officers
9. N. Korean workers clash with officials over withheld wages in China
10. Trump tariffs, home pressures push Korean firms to invest $102 bn in the US
11. Kim Jong-un likely to visit Russia in May, location under review
12. DPK pressures for ‘double impeachment’ just 1 day after PM’s return
13. South Korean government blamed for human rights abuses in overseas adoptions
14. Lee Jae-myung's acquittal
15. From lions to lambs: Crisis of leadership in Korean armed forces
1. 2025 Annual Threat Assessment of the U.S. Intelligence Community
The 31 page report can be downloaded here: https://www.dni.gov/files/ODNI/documents/assessments/ATA-2025-Unclassified-Report.pdf
I think this is a useful report. The most important part is on pages 29-30 Adversarial Cooperation. This is the first official report that I have seen that definitively identifies the cooperation among China, Russia, Iran, and north Korea.
The question is will the classified version of this report be used to inform and formulate the new National Security Strategy?
That said there is one main weakness to this report (which illustrates my usual bias). While the north Korean section is a good assessment of the range of threats, the one threat that is not described is the threat of regime instability and collapse. It is light on north Korean cyber activities nor does it describe the regime's weapons proliferation and global illicit activities. It also does not describe any of north Korea's malign influence activities (though it describes those of China, Russia, and Iran). However the most important omission is that it does not describe the Kim family regime's ultimate strategic aim which is to dominate the Korean peninsula under its rule. I am sure the analysts assess that since this is unlikely to happen, they did not include it in the assessment. However, it is important to understand the nature of the regime and its objective and strategy to effectively address the entire threat.
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................................... 2
FOREWORD .............................................................................................................................. 4
NONSTATE TRANSNATIONAL CRIMINALS AND TERRORISTS ....................................... 5
Foreign Illicit Drug Actors ..................................................................................................... 5
Transnational Islamic Extremists ............................................................................................ 6
Other Transnational Criminals ............................................................................................... 7
MAJOR STATE ACTORS .......................................................................................................... 9
China..................................................................................................................................... 9
Russia .................................................................................................................................. 16
Iran ..................................................................................................................................... 22
North Korea......................................................................................................................... 26
Adversarial Cooperation ....................................................................................................... 29
2025 Annual Threat Assessment of the U.S. Intelligence Community
https://www.dni.gov/index.php/newsroom/reports-publications/reports-publications-2025/4058-2025-annual-threat-assessment
Published: 25 March 2025
This report reflects the collective insights of the Intelligence Community, which is committed every day to providing the nuanced, independent, and unvarnished intelligence that policymakers, warfighters, and domestic law enforcement personnel need to protect American lives and America's interests anywhere in the world.
Download the report.
2. North Korean leader has ‘no intention’ of negotiating away nuclear weapons: US report
An RFA report on the 2025 US Threat Assessment.
If this is our intelligence assessment (that Kim will not negotiate away his nuclear weapons, which I think is absolutely correct) how will it drive our strategy and policy?
North Korean leader has ‘no intention’ of negotiating away nuclear weapons: US report
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard said Kim Jong Un is likely to conduct another nuclear test soon.
By Taejun Kang for RFA
2025.03.26
https://www.rfa.org/english/korea/2025/03/26/north-korea-us-report-nuclear-weapon/
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attends what state media report was a launching ceremony for a new tactical nuclear attack submarine in North Korea, in this picture released by North Korea’s Korean Central News Agency on Sep. 8, 2023. (KCNA/Reuters)
TAIPEI, Taiwan – North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has no intention of negotiating away the country’s nuclear weapons program, said a recent U.S. report, as a top American official warned that Pyongyang may be ready to carry out another nuclear test “on short notice.”
North Korea has dialed up its criticism of the U.S. and two of its key Asian allies – South Korea and Japan – in recent weeks, denouncing their recent joint naval drills as well as warning of an “overwhelming” and “decisive” response to any provocations from “hostile countries.”
Its nuclear program has also advanced significantly, with recent developments including hypersonic missile tests, enhanced uranium enrichment, and the construction of a nuclear-powered submarine.
“Kim has no intention of negotiating away his strategic weapons programs, which he perceives as a guarantor of regime security and national pride, because they threaten the [U.S.] homeland, U.S. forces in the region, and U.S. allies like South Korea and Japan,” said the Annual Threat Assessment of the U.S. Intelligence Community published by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.
Last year’s edition of the report said that Kim “almost certainly” had no intentions of negotiating away his nuclear program.
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard said that Kim was pursuing stronger strategic and conventional capabilities that can target U.S. forces and allies in the region, as well as the U.S. mainland, to achieve “at least tacit recognition as a nuclear weapons power.”
“North Korea is probably prepared to conduct another nuclear test on short notice and continues to flight test ICBMs to demonstrate their increasing capabilities as leverage in future negotiations,” said Gabbard at the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence.
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard testifies before a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing on worldwide threats, on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., U.S., March 25, 2025.
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard testifies before a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing on worldwide threats, on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., U.S., March 25, 2025. (Kevin Lamarque/Reuters)
Concern over Pyongyang-Moscow ties
The report also pointed out that Russia was increasingly supporting North Korea’s nuclear status in exchange for Pyongyang’s support for Moscow’s war against Ukraine.
“Kim’s newly cemented strategic partnership with Russia is yielding financial benefit, diplomatic support, and defense cooperation. The partnership with Moscow also helps reduce Pyongyang’s reliance on Beijing,” said the report, referring to a comprehensive treaty between two countries.
Russian President Vladimir Putin visited North Korea for talks with Kim in June last year when they announced the treaty, agreeing to offer each other military assistance “without delay” if either were attacked. They also underscored their shared defiance of Western sanctions and expanded cooperation in various sectors.
“North Korea’s advancing strategic weapons capabilities and increasing access to revenue are enabling Kim’s longstanding goals of securing international acceptance as a nuclear power, reducing U.S. military presence on the Korean Peninsula, expanding state control over the North’s economy, and blocking foreign influence,” the report said.
The report also warned that Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine poses several risks to the U.S., including the chance of the conflict escalating into a larger war, the potential use of nuclear weapons, increased anxiety among NATO allies, and a more confident stance from China and North Korea.
RELATED STORIES
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North Korean threats to US, allies
The report said Kim would threaten to use force when he perceives U.S. and allied actions as challenging the North’s sovereignty, undermining his power or aiming to curb his nuclear and missile ambitions.
In particular, the report raised the possibility of Kim challenging the Northern Limit Line, or NLL, a de facto inter-Korean sea border.
The North has disputed the NLL as it was unilaterally drawn by the U.S.-led U.N. Command after the 1950-53 Korean War.
“Kim in the past has challenged South Korea’s de facto maritime boundary claims and may do so again, raising the prospects of renewed clashes along the NLL,” the report said.
Gabbard also noted concerns about collaboration between China, Russia, Iran and North Korea against U.S. interests.
The intelligence community “sees China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea engaging in activities that could challenge U.S. capabilities and interests, especially related to our security and economy,” she said. “These actors are, in some cases, working together in different areas to target U.S. interests and protect themselves from U.S. sanctions.”
Edited by Mike Firn and Stephen Wright.
3. ‘Denuclearization of North Korea’ VS ‘Denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula’… Which is the Preferred Term?
This is a Google translation of an RFA report.
There is a subtle but important difference between the two. Although there are no nuclear weapons in South Korea, Kim (and his supporters in the South prefers denuclearization of the Korean peninsula because he uses it to justify the removal of US forces and an end to extended deterrence and the nuclear umbrella. This part of Kim's political warfare strategy to subvert South Korea (which you can see lelents of in the discussions in the article below) and to drive a wedge in the ROK/US alliance to drive US forces out of South Korea which is the necessary condition he requires so that he can dominate the entire peninsula. This is something else that was lacking in the 2025 US Threat Assessment.
‘Denuclearization of North Korea’ VS ‘Denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula’… Which is the Preferred Term?
hando@rfa.org
2025.03.26
https://www.rfa.org/korean/in-focus/2025/03/26/denuclearization-north-korean-peninsula-term/
Representative Hong Ki-won of the Democratic Party of Korea and Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Tae-yeol of the Republic of Korea are seen during a Q&A session at the National Assembly Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee on February 26. (Capture from live broadcast)
Anchor: Recently, a debate has been going on in the Korean National Assembly over which term is more appropriate: 'denuclearization of North Korea' or 'denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.' The opinions of Korean experts on this matter were somewhat mixed. Reporter Han Do-hyung reports from Seoul.
On the 26th of last month, at a plenary session of the National Assembly Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee, Rep. Hong Ki-won of the Democratic Party of Korea, the main opposition party in South Korea, and Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Tae-yeol had a Q&A session regarding the terms “denuclearization of North Korea” and “denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.”
Rep. Hong claimed that the official position of the South Korean government was to use the term “denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula,” but Minister Cho said that the South Korean government used the two terms interchangeably, and that since South Korea does not have nuclear weapons, the two terms ultimately mean the same thing: “denuclearization of North Korea.”
[Rep. Hong Ki-won, Democratic Party of Korea] Isn't our government's official position 'denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula'? Doesn't North Korea view 'denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula' and 'denuclearization of North Korea' completely differently?
[South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yeol] That must be North Korea's story. Since we do not have nuclear weapons, wouldn't 'denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula' naturally mean 'denuclearization of North Korea'? The consistent position of past governments is that 'denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula' and 'denuclearization of North Korea' are the same.
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South Korea's National Assembly Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee adopts ROK-US alliance resolution... "Supporting North Korea's denuclearization efforts"
A similar discussion continued again on the 6th when the National Assembly Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee's bill review subcommittee reviewed the 'Resolution in Support of the ROK-US Alliance.'
According to the National Assembly minutes, Democratic Party lawmakers Kwon Chil-seung and Wi Seong-rak argued for the use of the term “denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula,” citing concerns that the term “denuclearization of North Korea” could be perceived as allowing South Korea to arm itself with nuclear weapons.
On the other hand, Rep. Kim Ki-woong insisted on using the term “denuclearization of North Korea,” saying that while it is true that the ultimate goal is “denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula,” what the ROK-US alliance should immediately pursue is denuclearization of North Korea.
The discussions between the ruling and opposition parties came to an end with the agreement to include only the term “North Korea’s denuclearization” in the “Resolution in Support of the ROK-US Alliance,” and the resolution passed the National Assembly plenary session on the 13th.
The terms “denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula” appeared several times in the “Resolution to Support the ROK-US Alliance for Peace on the Korean Peninsula” originally proposed by Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Byung-joo, but they were all removed during the process of integration and coordination with the “Resolution to Support the Continued Development of the Strong ROK-US Alliance” proposed by the ruling People Power Party lawmaker Kim Gun.
Experts' opinions were somewhat divided as to which term would be more appropriate to use: 'denuclearization of North Korea' or 'denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.'
Professor Kim Hyung-seok of Daejeon University, who served as Vice Minister of Unification, said in a phone call with Radio Free Asia (RFA) on the 26th that the South Korean government has been using the two terms interchangeably so far and that it would be desirable to continue using them together in the future.
Regarding the opinion raised by People Power Party lawmaker Kim Ki-woong at a subcommittee meeting of the National Assembly Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee on the 6th that the use of the term “denuclearization of North Korea” is desirable due to the possibility of redeployment of U.S. tactical nuclear weapons, Professor Kim stated that it is somewhat far-fetched to view the simple use of the term “denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula” as making tactical nuclear weapons difficult.
[Professor Kim Hyung-seok of Daejeon University] That's how it's been done so far. Considering North Korea. Domestically, of course, since the South doesn't have nuclear weapons, we've said "denuclearization of North Korea." In the international community, since there are other parties involved, we've said "denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula." It's "denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula," but there are no nuclear weapons in the South right now. So in reality, that's denuclearization of the North Korean region.
On the other hand, Professor Park Won-gon of Ewha Womans University told Radio Free Asia on the 26th that the term "denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula," or "denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula," to North Korea is a concept that includes the withdrawal of the US' extended deterrence, the withdrawal of US troops from South Korea, and virtually the dissolution of the South Korea-US alliance. He stated that it is desirable to make the goal clear from the starting point by using the term "denuclearization of North Korea."
Professor Park said that as skepticism about the complete denuclearization of North Korea has been increasing in the U.S. government and the public, there is an even greater need to clearly define the ultimate goal as the "denuclearization of North Korea."
[Professor Park Won-gon of Ewha Womans University] I have been saying for a very long time that we should use the term ‘denuclearization of North Korea.’ North Korea talks about ‘denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula,’ but the last condition of the ‘five conditions for denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula’ proposed by North Korea in 2016 includes the withdrawal of US troops from South Korea. In fact, it is a concept that includes the dissolution of the South Korea-US alliance, so I think it is wrong.
Nam Sung-wook, a professor emeritus at Sookmyung Women’s University, also told Radio Free Asia that “if South Korea had nuclear weapons, the term ‘denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula’ would be correct, but South Korea does not have nuclear weapons right now, and North Korea does,” and that “denuclearization of North Korea” would be the correct term.
Professor Nam added that the term “denuclearization of North Korea” should be used in future summits and multilateral talks with North Korea.
Ambassador to the U.S. Cho Hyun-dong holds a press conference in Washington, D.C. on February 26.
Ambassador to the U.S. Cho Hyun-dong holds a press conference in Washington, D.C., on February 26. (Yonhap)
Korean Ambassador to the US: “Agree to Use ‘North Korea Denuclearization’ Expression with the US”
Meanwhile, South Korea and the United States recently agreed to consistently use the expression “denuclearization of North Korea” rather than “denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.”
Ambassador to the US Cho Hyun-dong explained at a press corps meeting held in Washington D.C. on the 26th (local time) that this was something agreed upon after the inauguration of the second Trump administration, and that the term “denuclearization of North Korea” clearly indicates a violation of North Korea’s obligations.
This is Han Do-hyung from RFA Free Asia Broadcasting in Seoul.
Editor Yang Seong-won
4. Appeals court acquits opposition leader of election law violation charges
Uh oh. This means Lee Jae Myung may be able to run for President.
(2nd LD) Appeals court acquits opposition leader of election law violation charges | Yonhap News Agency
en.yna.co.kr · by Lee Haye-ah · March 26, 2025
(ATTN: UPDATES with details of ruling, Lee's remarks; CHANGES headline)
By Lee Haye-ah
SEOUL, March 26 (Yonhap) -- An appeals court on Wednesday acquitted opposition leader Lee Jae-myung of lying as a presidential candidate during the 2022 election, overturning a lower court's sentence of a suspended prison term.
The decision by the Seoul High Court removed a major legal hurdle for Lee, as a suspended prison term, if finalized, would have stripped him of his parliamentary seat and barred him from running in the next presidential election.
The appellate ruling can still be overturned by the Supreme Court.
"I thank the court for delivering a proper ruling based on the truth and justice," Lee told reporters. "I hope the prosecution will now reflect on their actions and refrain from wasting any more national energy."
The leader of the main opposition Democratic Party has been considered the presidential front-runner, particularly in the event the Constitutional Court upholds the impeachment of suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol, which would trigger a snap presidential election within 60 days.
The impeachment ruling is expected to be announced in the coming days.
Lee Jae-myung (C), chairman of the main opposition Democratic Party, appears at the Seoul High Court in the capital city on March 26, 2025, ahead of his sentencing in an election law violation case. (Pool photo) (Yonhap)
During the initial trial, the opposition leader was found guilty of lying during a media interview in December 2021 that he did not play golf with the late Kim Moon-ki, a former executive of Seongnam Development Corp., which was behind a corruption-ridden development project in Seongnam, south of Seoul, when Lee was the city's mayor.
Lee was also found guilty of lying during a parliamentary audit of the Gyeonggi provincial government in October 2021 that he was under pressure from the land ministry to rezone the former site of the Korea Food Research Institute in Seongnam.
The site was later developed into apartment complexes by a private developer, and allegations were raised that Lee rezoned the land to give preferential treatment to the company.
In November, the lower court sentenced Lee to one year in prison, suspended for two years, for making false statements in violation of the Public Official Election Act.
In reversing that decision, however, the Seoul High Court said none of the four remarks Lee made during the campaign about allegedly not knowing Kim qualified as false statements. That included the remark about golf.
"He cannot be considered to have lied that they did not play golf, and it is difficult to recognize the remark as false," the appeals court said.
On the alleged pressure from the land ministry, the court acknowledged that Lee "came under pressure from various angles."
"His remark that he was threatened with charges of dereliction of duty could be an exaggerated expression of the considerable pressure he felt at the time, but it is difficult to recognize as false," the court said.
hague@yna.co.kr
(END)
en.yna.co.kr · by Lee Haye-ah · March 26, 2025
5. Ruling party expresses regret as opposition leader cleared by court in election law violation case
Ruling party expresses regret as opposition leader cleared by court in election law violation case | Yonhap News Agency
en.yna.co.kr · by Kim Eun-jung · March 26, 2025
SEOUL, March 26 (Yonhap) -- The ruling People Power Party (PPP) on Wednesday voiced strong regret over an appeals court's decision to overturn a suspended prison term for opposition leader Lee Jae-myung in an election law violation case.
PPP floor leader Kweon Seong-dong made the remark shortly after the Seoul High Court overturned a suspended prison term against Lee Jae-myung of the main opposition Democratic Party for allegedly making false statements as a presidential candidate during the 2022 election.
"Many politicians have lost their political careers due to false statement charges, so I can't understand how Lee was acquitted for the same issue, even from a legal professional's perspective," Kweon, a former prosecutor, told reporters.
Kweon Seong-dong, floor leader of the ruling People Power Party, speaks during a meeting with scientists at the Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science in the central city of Daejeon on March 26, 2025. (Yonhap)
Kweon expressed confidence that prosecutors would appeal the ruling and urged the Supreme Court to review the case swiftly to "end legal controversy."
The PPP's interim leader Kwon Young-se echoed the sentiment, saying he expects the Supreme Court to promptly rule on Lee's case should prosecutors appeal the court decision.
ejkim@yna.co.kr
(END)
en.yna.co.kr · by Kim Eun-jung · March 26, 2025
6. Former martial law commander denies plotting for martial law
Former martial law commander denies plotting for martial law | Yonhap News Agency
en.yna.co.kr · by Chae Yun-hwan · March 26, 2025
SEOUL, March 26 (Yonhap) -- Former martial law commander Gen. Park An-su denied Wednesday taking part in preparations for impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol's failed martial law declaration in December, claiming he merely followed orders at the time.
Park's lawyer made the case during the top Army commander's trial over his alleged role in last year's martial law operations after prosecutors indicted him in January on charges of insurrection and abuse of power.
The legal representative said Park did not have intent to subvert the Constitution or incite a riot -- conditions for an insurrection charge -- claiming there was no way for him to know there were procedural issues with Yoon's declaration as he was at a military command center.
Acting President Han Duck-soo has said Yoon's martial law declaration had procedural problems as it did not undergo a proper Cabinet review.
The lawyer also argued Park would have been arrested if he had disobeyed orders from then Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, claiming Kim said he would not tolerate those who do not follow orders.
Meanwhile, Lt. Gen. Kwak Jong-keun, former commander of the Army Special Warfare Command, acknowledged nearly all of the counts raised by the prosecution against him at the same trial.
Kwak is accused of sending martial law troops to the National Assembly to prevent lawmakers from voting to reject Yoon's decree.
Park's next trial will be held April 24, while proceedings for Kwak's trial will be decided at a later date.
Army Chief of Staff Gen. Park An-su, former martial law commander, enters a court martial in central Seoul for his trial over his alleged role in martial law operations on March 26, 2025. (Yonhap)
yunhwanchae@yna.co.kr
(END)
en.yna.co.kr · by Chae Yun-hwan · March 26, 2025
7. Military deploys more personnel, choppers to fight wildfires
(LEAD) Military deploys more personnel, choppers to fight wildfires | Yonhap News Agency
en.yna.co.kr · by Yoo Jee-ho · March 26, 2025
(ATTN: ADDS details in para 5)
SEOUL, March 26 (Yonhap) -- The military deployed an additional 990 personnel and 48 helicopters Wednesday to help combat wildfires that have devastated the country's southeastern regions, the defense ministry said.
At least 18 have been killed so far due to a wave of wildfires that began Friday and has since ravaged the southeastern regions, with strong winds hampering firefighting efforts against the spreading blazes.
With the latest deployment, the military has so far mobilized some 6,000 personnel and 242 helicopters to help contain the wildfires, the ministry said.
It has also supplied about 20,000 pieces of relief goods -- such as blankets and ration packs -- as well as 400,000 liters of petroleum to fuel helicopters operated by other government agencies.
In addition, four helicopters from the U.S. Forces Korea, including a UH-60 Blackhawk and a CH-47 Chinook, will also be deployed in the Sancheong area in South Gyeongsang Province.
In a response meeting held earlier in the day, acting Defense Minister Kim Seon-ho ordered proactively supporting residents in areas hit by the wildfires while emphasizing safety and health guidelines for deployed personnel, the ministry said.
Army troops take part in firefighting activities in the southeastern city of Ulsan on March 24, 2025. (Yonhap)
mlee@yna.co.kr
(END)
en.yna.co.kr · by Yoo Jee-ho · March 26, 2025
8. Armed desertion: N. Korean soldier flees after harassment from senior officers
An indicator of resistance potential?
The regime will collapse when two conditions occur: the inability of the party to govern the entire territory in the north from Pyongyang, combined with the loss of coherency and support of the military. Are we seeing evidence of breakdowns in the military?
Armed desertion: N. Korean soldier flees after harassment from senior officers - Daily NK English
"The reality here is that unless parents provide support from behind the scenes throughout military service, their children will suffer all kinds of hardships in the military," a source told Daily NK
By Lee Chae Eun - March 26, 2025
dailynk.com · by Lee Chae Eun · March 25, 2025
North Korean soldiers in Sinuiju, North Pyongan Province / Image=Daily NK
Another case of a soldier deserting after suffering continuous beatings and harassment from senior soldiers has occurred in North Korea.
According to a South Hwanghae province source who spoke to Daily NK recently, a soldier in his 20s with the surname Kim, in his third year of military service with the 4th Corps Communications Company stationed in Haeju, deserted on March 13. His whereabouts remain unknown.
The reason for the soldier’s desertion is strongly believed to be due to continuous beatings and harassment from senior soldiers.
According to testimony from fellow soldiers, Kim had been harassed by senior soldiers, including his squad leader. The harassment began when Kim, due to financial difficulties, couldn’t fulfill his squad leader’s demand to procure a carton of cigarettes.
Holding a grudge against Kim for failing to provide cigarettes, the squad leader mobilized other senior soldiers to torment Kim and force him to handle various menial tasks including laundry. If Kim showed even the slightest delay, the senior soldiers would not hesitate to beat and assault him.
Having endured this harassment from senior soldiers, Kim took advantage of an external repair mission for broken communication lines on March 13 to desert his unit.
“There’s an atmosphere where newly enlisted soldiers who have completed basic training and are adjusting to their assigned units must endure beatings and harassment for about six months,” the source said. “But we’re not talking about a new recruit here. This is a third-year soldier in his 20s with hot-blooded youth. No one in that position could endure such harsh treatment without considering desertion.”
The source explained that in the North Korean military, both previously and currently, it’s considered normal for junior soldiers to fulfill senior soldiers’ demands for bribes, with the burden ultimately falling on parents. In Kim’s case, knowing his family’s difficult circumstances, he refused to ask his parents for help, which ultimately led to the harassment from his superiors.
“The saying ‘when a child enlists in the military, the parents serve alongside them’ didn’t come about by chance,” the source pointed out. “The reality here is that unless parents provide support from behind the scenes throughout military service, their children will suffer all kinds of hardships in the military.”
Meanwhile, while Kim’s unit still hasn’t determined his whereabouts, there’s reportedly an emergency situation internally as Kim deserted while armed. However, given that senior officers could face disciplinary action if the incident is reported up the chain of command, the company officers are reportedly searching for Kim without reporting the incident to their superiors, attempting to keep it quiet.
“Desertion due to harassment from superiors isn’t a one-time occurrence but keeps happening repeatedly,” the source noted. “It’s urgent to address issues like violence and harassment within the military fundamentally, creating conditions where soldiers can serve with peace of mind.”
Read in Korean
dailynk.com · by Lee Chae Eun · March 25, 2025
9. N. Korean workers clash with officials over withheld wages in China
Resistance potential? People fighting for the money they believe is rightfully theirs and not Kim Jong Un's.
N. Korean workers clash with officials over withheld wages in China - Daily NK English
North Korean officials, concerned about news of the incident spreading, have instructed work crew leaders to remain silent
By Jeong Tae Joo - March 26, 2025
dailynk.com · by Jeong Tae Joo · March 26, 2025
FILE PHOTO: North Korean laborers at China's Dandong Station waiting to depart back to North Korea in 2017. (The Daily NK)
North Korean workers on long-term assignments in China have recently clashed with officials who refused to release their wages, Daily NK has learned.
“North Koreans who have been working at a seafood plant in Dalian, Liaoning province, without returning home for three or more years were recently granted a special five-day vacation and permitted to ship their belongings back home,” a source in China told Daily NK recently.
Groups of workers were allowed to leave the factory for five days, from March 15 to 20. During this time, they reportedly asked the officials managing them for a portion of their deposited wages to buy presents for their families.
North Korean officials routinely deduct the government’s share from workers’ monthly wages received from Chinese factories, setting the remainder aside and maintaining records of their savings until the workers return to Korea.
Since officials effectively control these savings accounts, their refusal to release any funds sparked a heated dispute.
“North Korean workers lost their tempers when they couldn’t access wages that officials had been holding for more than three years. This led to a physical altercation between officials and workers that was eventually broken up by Chinese individuals,” the source said.
Under intense pressure, officials eventually distributed some cash, but far less than needed for workers to purchase family gifts. Consequently, some workers had to borrow money from Chinese friends to buy presents.
While workers appreciated being allowed to send belongings home, some were so distressed about not affording gifts that they broke down crying, according to the source.
North Korean officials, concerned about news of the incident spreading, have instructed work crew leaders to remain silent.
In January 2024, a North Korean official was beaten to death over unpaid wages by North Korean workers in Nanping, Helong city, in China’s Jilin province. Given the international coverage of that incident, officials are worried about similar stories reaching global media.
Following the latest dispute, North Korean workers are anxious about ever receiving their hard-earned money.
“Considering workers weren’t even given enough money for presents, many worry whether they’ll receive their full wages upon returning home. Chinese who heard about the incident say North Koreans are little better than slaves—spending all day breathing fish fumes, working until their hands and feet swell, and not even being paid,” the source said.
Workers are reportedly allowed to include daily necessities such as shampoo, soap, and detergent in packages sent home, but no electronic devices.
Daily NK recently reported that Chinese customs authorities in Dandong are strictly inspecting North Koreans’ personal goods for electronic devices and confiscating any they find.
These recent customs measures apparently prompted North Korean officials to instruct workers to primarily pack everyday necessities.
Read in Korean
dailynk.com · by Jeong Tae Joo · March 26, 2025
10. Trump tariffs, home pressures push Korean firms to invest $102 bn in the US
Another win for Trump Tariffs?
Trump tariffs, home pressures push Korean firms to invest $102 bn in the US
South Korean conglomerates announce U.S. investments ahead of Trump's April 2 tariff deadline
https://www.chosun.com/english/industry-en/2025/03/26/FS7IQHKL6FDLPNPYSRVFASRK34/
By Park Soon-chan,
Choi Eun-kyung,
Lee Jae-eun
Published 2025.03.26. 10:58
Hyundai Motor's automobile factory in Alabama / Hyundai Motor
South Korean conglomerate Hyundai Motor Group said it will invest $21 billion in the United States over the next four years, including a new $5.8 billion steel plant in the southern state of Louisiana.
Hyundai Chairman Chung Eui-sun announced the investment on March 24 at the White House alongside President Donald Trump and Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry. Hyundai plans to allocate $8.6 billion to automobile factories, $6.1 billion to steel mills, parts, and logistics, and $6.3 billion to future business sectors and energy.
Hyundai’s announcement comes just days before Trump imposes new reciprocal tariffs on trading partners. The move has raised expectations that other Korean conglomerates like Samsung, SK, LG, POSCO, and Hanwha will follow suit.
Just days earlier, on March 21, Hanjin Group Chairman Cho Won-tae signed an agreement to purchase $32.7 billion worth of aircraft and services from Boeing and GE Aerospace.
“Hyundai and Korean Air are making these investments for business, but they’re also offering so-called ‘gifts’ that Trump wants,” said a senior industry executive. ”Other companies are reviewing similar U.S. investment plans to foster a favorable business environment in the early days of the new administration.”
Hyundai Motor Group has been shifting production abroad, a move that picked up speed after the 1997 Asian financial crisis. Hyundai Motor has not built a new domestic production facility in Korea in nearly three decades after completing its Asan plant in 1996 and Kia’s Hwaseong plant in 1997. The group’s domestic production capacity also declined over time. In the early 2010s, Hyundai and Kia had a combined annual production capacity of 3.5 million vehicles, but that figure has dropped to 3.15 million units this year, constrained in part by the country’s 52-hour workweek cap.
The semiconductor sector, considered the cornerstone of the Korean economy, is also increasingly pivoting overseas. Samsung Electronics is investing over $37 billion to build two foundries and an R&D center in Taylor, Texas. SK Group is spending $22 billion in Indiana and Georgia to build a packaging facility for high-bandwidth memory (HBM) and an EV battery plant.
LG has pledged $20 billion to construct a home appliance plant in Tennessee and a battery plant in Georgia. Hanwha has allocated $2.2 billion to build a solar module factory and acquire a shipyard in Philadelphia.
Combined with Hyundai’s investment, Korean conglomerates have pledged more than $102.2 billion in U.S. investment.
These large-scale investments are not limited to conglomerates moving operations to the U.S. When Hyundai set up its EV plant in Georgia, affiliates like Hyundai Mobis and smaller suppliers producing brakes, consoles, and doors also moved in, effectively relocating the entire EV production value chain to the U.S.
While Trump’s protectionist trade policy influenced Hyundai’s investment, many Korean companies also point to Korea’s increasingly anti-business culture, regulations, and strong labor unions as key reasons for expanding abroad.
For instance, the semiconductor sector has repeatedly requested exemptions from the 52-hour workweek cap for R&D purposes, but the proposal remains stalled at the National Assembly. The Serious Accidents Punishment Act is another barrier that drives Korean companies overseas and deters foreign firms from entering Korea. Calls to amend steep inheritance taxes, cited as a hurdle for many businesses, have also largely been ignored.
11. Kim Jong-un likely to visit Russia in May, location under review
Hmmm.. I could see Putin trying to get both Kim and President Trump to attend the Russian victory day parade in May and then hold a summit.
Kim Jong-un likely to visit Russia in May, location under review
https://www.chosun.com/english/north-korea-en/2025/03/26/ZGKKQVTUQJA6ZCW6YIOMJEU3UE/
By Kim Min-seo,
Kim Seo-young
Published 2025.03.26. 14:45
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un /KCNA-Yonhap News
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is highly likely to visit Russia in May, with both countries deciding between Moscow and Vladivostok as the meeting location.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on March 24 that Kim has received a “valid” invitation to visit Russia and that coordination is ongoing through diplomatic channels. However, he added, “We are not ready to make any official announcements yet,” suggesting that discussions are still underway.
During his visit to Pyongyang last June, Russian President Vladimir Putin invited Kim to visit Russia. More recently, Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu met with Kim and noted that 2025 will be a year of active bilateral exchanges, including the 80th anniversary of Victory Day in May.
However, the Kremlin-affiliated Telegram channel “Kremlin Snuffbox” cited sources saying Kim’s visit is planned for early May but is unlikely to include Moscow. The report noted that Kim is hesitant to be away from Pyongyang for too long, making Vladivostok the likely meeting site between May 3 and 5.
Kim previously traveled to Vladivostok in April 2019 and to the Vostochny Cosmodrome in September 2023, both times using his armored train. With no direct flights between Pyongyang and Moscow, flying would require chartering a plane from a third country, as he did for the 2018 North Korea-U.S. summit in Singapore. A train journey to Moscow would take at least six days. By comparison, his father Kim Jong-il traveled to Moscow by armored train in 2001, spending 23 days on the round trip.
Russia’s Victory Day celebrations pose a diplomatic challenge for Kim, as the event is a multilateral gathering attended by numerous world leaders. Since taking power, he has only engaged in one-on-one summits and has never participated in multilateral diplomacy. A diplomatic source noted, “Unlike bilateral meetings, multilateral events don’t provide the same level of personalized protocol for Kim, making his attendance at Victory Day a high-stakes gamble.”
12. DPK pressures for ‘double impeachment’ just 1 day after PM’s return
That is all the opposition party has in its political toolbox: impeachment.
DPK pressures for ‘double impeachment’ just 1 day after PM’s return
donga.com
Posted March. 26, 2025 07:45,
Updated March. 26, 2025 07:45
DPK pressures for ‘double impeachment’ just 1 day after PM’s return. March. 26, 2025 07:45. by 안규영기자, 윤다빈기자 kyu0@donga.com.
The Democratic Party of Korea has warned Acting President and Prime Minister Han Deok-soo that he will be dismissed if he does not immediately appoint Constitutional Court Justice nominee Ma Eun-hyeok, demanding that the appointment be made on the same day. Just a day after Han returned to office following the dismissal of his impeachment, the party has raised the possibility of a second impeachment. Additionally, the party plans to push forward the impeachment bill against Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Strategy and Finance Choi Sang-mok this week, signaling a potential ‘double impeachment.’ Despite internal calls for self-reflection on what some call a ‘reckless impeachment strategy,’ the party appears to be maintaining its hardline stance, particularly as the impeachment process against President Yoon Suk Yeol has been delayed compared to the appeal trial of DPK leader Lee Jae-myung for violating the Public Official Election Act.
At a floor strategy meeting held at the Democratic Party of Korea's makeshift headquarters in Gwanghwamun, Seoul, on the 25th, Floor Leader Park Chan-dae stated, “The Constitutional Court made it clear in its ruling that it is illegal and unconstitutional for the Acting President to refuse to appoint the three Constitutional Court justices elected by the National Assembly.” He added, “If Acting President Han does not immediately appoint Candidate Ma, it will be grounds for dismissal.” Meanwhile, Senior Deputy Floor Leader Kim Yong-min reportedly discussed in a closed-door meeting whether a second impeachment of Han would be legally feasible.
Speculation is growing within the party that if President Yoon’s impeachment date is not announced this week, the Democratic Party of Korea’s push for the impeachment of both Acting President Han and Deputy Prime Minister Choi may become a reality. A party official noted, “Judges Moon Hyung-bae and Lee Mi-seon are set to retire on April 18, so it is crucial to appoint Candidate Ma quickly, especially if President Yoon’s impeachment is delayed until April.”
However, some within the party have criticized the leadership’s aggressive approach, particularly given economic concerns. With the Trump administration expected to include Korea in its list of countries subject to reciprocal tariffs on April 2, a first-term lawmaker of the party remarked, “The leadership is pushing for impeachment without careful consideration,
한국어
donga.com
13. South Korean government blamed for human rights abuses in overseas adoptions
Oh no. This is so tragic.
South Korean government blamed for human rights abuses in overseas adoptions
The Korea Times · March 26, 2025
Kim Yoo-ree, a Korean adoptee to France, kneels before Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Chairperson Park Sun-young during a press conference at the TRC's office in Seoul, Wednesday, pleading for stronger measures to address human rights violations in overseas adoptions. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk
Adoptees demand concrete support following first-ever government acknowledgment of adoption misconduct
By Lee Hyo-jin
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) on Wednesday found that past Korean governments were responsible for human rights violations in overseas adoptions from the 1960s to the 1990s, pointing to falsified records and inadequate supervision.
This marks the first official acknowledgment by the Korean government of the irregularities in the nation’s previous overseas adoption system — issues that hundreds of adoptees have been raising in recent years.
Following a yearslong probe, the TRC concluded that legislative gaps, inadequate government oversight and administrative failures led to widespread misconduct.
"For nearly 50 years following the Korean War, the government prioritized intercountry adoption as a cost-effective alternative to strengthening domestic child welfare policies. By giving full authority over adoption procedures to private agencies without proper oversight, the government failed in its duty to protect children’s rights," the commission said in the report.
"The lack of oversight made it difficult to regulate misconduct by adoption agencies, ultimately resulting in the large-scale overseas adoption of children in need of protection," it added.
The landmark report follows complaints filed in October 2022 by 367 adoptees who had been sent to 11 countries between 1964 and 1999.
The adoptees, including those in Denmark, Norway and the United States, alleged that their adoptions were facilitated through falsified documents and corrupt practices, with both the government and adoption agencies suspected of involvement.
A photo from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) report on overseas adoption shows Korean babies and children aboard a plane to Denmark in December 1984. According to a TRC official, these children lacked appropriate care during their journey, as the primary focus was on sending as many children as possible in one plane. Courtesy of TRC
Korea saw a surge in overseas adoptions from the 1960s to the 1980s, driven by poverty, social stigma against unwed mothers and government policies aimed at population control. The adoption process has long been suspected of involving coercion and inadequate consent.
The TRC's extensive probe found instances where adoption procedures were conducted without proper consent from birth parents.
For example, in a case from 1980, a biological mother signed an adoption consent form the day after giving birth at a maternity hospital and entrusted the child to Holt, a private adoption agency. Holt took custody of the child after a single interview with the mother, without verifying her identity or biological relationship to the child.
"I hope that today’s findings are not merely about revisiting the painful past, but serve as a platform for meaningful discussions among the more than 140,000 overseas adoptees and their adoptive countries," Park Sun-young, the commission's chairperson, said during a press conference in Seoul.
The commission urged the government to formally apologize to adoptees and provide remedies for those with falsified identities and adoption records. It also recommended practical support for adoptees seeking to reunite with their birth families.
Kim Yoo-ree, a Korean adoptee to France, cries during a press conference at the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's office in Seoul, Wednesday. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk
Although the commission’s recommendations are not legally binding, they are expected to serve as critical evidence should the adoptees pursue lawsuits against the government demanding compensation.
Kim Yoo-ree, a Korean adoptee to France, said the recommendations were too weak and vague, urging the TRC to issue stronger measures to end forced intercountry adoptions. Kim was adopted by French parents in 1984 after being falsely documented as an orphan in Korea.
"My friend was adopted to France through Holt in 1974 and was raped by his adoptive father from the time he was a 5-month-old baby until he was 10 years old," she told reporters, shedding tears.
"The Korean government and private adoption agencies are flying high, while victims of illegal adoption are left to crawl. I beg you to put an end to this disgraceful situation."
Peter Moller, an adoptee from Denmark and co-founder of the Danish Korean Rights Group, speaks during a press conference at the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's office in Seoul, Wednesday. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk
Peter Moller, an adoptee from Denmark and co-founder of the Danish Korean Rights Group, said the commission’s report has laid bare the dark truth adoptees themselves have known for decades.
"The deceit, fraud and systemic issues in Korea’s adoption process can no longer be concealed. But today’s milestone is not just about acknowledging the truth. It must also serve as the foundation for action and change," Moller said.
"Korea has now taken the first step in acknowledging its role. Now it is the recipient countries’ turn to do the same."
Wednesday's announcement included only 56 of 367 filed cases due to the complexity of the issues and limited time. The commission plans to continue reviewing the remaining cases.
The Ministry of Health and Welfare, which oversees adoption policies, was not immediately available for comment on the TRC’s recommendations when contacted by The Korea Times.
The Korea Times · March 26, 2025
14. Lee Jae-myung's acquittal
Key point:
The acquittal is undeniably a critical turning point in Lee's political career. The ruling removes the legal obstacles that could have derailed his ambitions, enabling him to focus on his potential presidential run. However, the political situation remains fluid. Regardless of the outcome, this ruling has already reshaped the political landscape, elevating Lee to a central role in Korea’s political future. As a presidential election approaches, all eyes will be on Lee and his next steps, as he navigates the complex intersection of law, politics and public opinion.
Lee Jae-myung's acquittal
The Korea Times · March 26, 2025
A turning point in Korea’s political landscape
The acquittal of Rep. Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), on charges of violating the Public Official Election Act, marks a significant moment in the nation's political landscape. While the prosecution is likely to take the case to the Supreme Court, the second appellate ruling already holds substantial political weight. It shifts the trajectory of Lee’s future and potentially reshapes the dynamics of the upcoming presidential race.
Lee, a prominent political figure and former Gyeonggi Province governor, was initially found guilty of making false statements during a parliamentary audit of the Gyeonggi Provincial Government in October 2021 when he was the governor. The charges stemmed from claims related to the Baekhyeon-dong land development project, for which Lee allegedly received pressure to rezone the land from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. Additionally, Lee was accused of golfing with Kim Moon-ki, a former executive at the Seongnam Urban Development Corporation, which could have constituted an illegal exchange of favors. In the first trial, Lee was convicted on two of the major charges, including the golf meeting and the alleged pressure from the land ministry. Had this ruling been upheld or the penalties intensified, Lee could have faced a serious political crisis, as he would have been disqualified from future public office.
However, in the second trial, the court overturned these findings. It deemed the evidence insufficient to substantiate the claims, particularly regarding the alleged golf game, and said the rezoning may have resulted from the ministry's influence. This acquittal allowed Lee to avoid the legal peril that had loomed over him, freeing him from the risk of being barred from political office.
The acquittal has significant implications for Lee’s political future. First and foremost, it clears the legal hurdles that could have prevented him from running for office. Had the first trial's guilty verdict been upheld, Lee would have found himself unable to participate in future elections, including the presidency. The second trial ruling, however, provides him with the legal freedom to continue his political career, allowing him to focus on the broader presidential ambition.
Politically, the decision strengthened Lee’s position within the DPK and the broader electorate. The legal victory will likely reinforce his image as a political figure who has endured significant legal battles, thereby increasing his appeal to both supporters and undecided voters. This is particularly important as Lee prepares for a potential presidential campaign, wherein public perception and trust will play pivotal roles.
The ruling also has far-reaching consequences for the country's broader political landscape. With a possible presidential election on the horizon, Lee’s acquittal sets the stage for his candidacy. If the ruling is appealed and the Supreme Court affirms the second trial's decision, it would mark the end of the legal disputes surrounding him, and Lee would emerge as a more formidable contender. Conversely, if the Supreme Court were to reverse the decision, the political fallout could severely damage Lee's reputation and his party’s prospects.
While rival opponents, particularly those in the ruling camp, are likely to continue targeting Lee with legal and political attacks, the second trial ruling weakens the effectiveness of such efforts. With the court having cleared Lee of the election law charges, it becomes more difficult for his opponents to undermine him on legal grounds. This ruling could serve to consolidate support within the DPK, reinforcing Lee’s position as the party’s most viable presidential candidate.
Despite the legal victory, Lee faces significant challenges moving forward. First, he must ensure that no further legal controversies arise, maintaining transparency and accountability in his actions. Public trust is crucial, especially as he seeks to transition from a political figure embroiled in legal issues to one capable of leading the nation.
Moreover, Lee must strengthen internal party unity within the DPK. The success of any presidential bid is heavily reliant on a united party, and internal divisions could hinder his chances. Lee must work to address party dissension and foster collaboration, ensuring that his team remains cohesive and focused on winning the upcoming election.
Lastly, Lee must continue to focus on crafting a policy agenda that resonates with the electorate. Legal victories alone will not guarantee electoral success; Lee needs to offer a clear, actionable vision for Korea’s future. Whether he can translate his legal and political resilience into a compelling presidential platform will be crucial in determining his political future.
The acquittal is undeniably a critical turning point in Lee's political career. The ruling removes the legal obstacles that could have derailed his ambitions, enabling him to focus on his potential presidential run. However, the political situation remains fluid. Regardless of the outcome, this ruling has already reshaped the political landscape, elevating Lee to a central role in Korea’s political future. As a presidential election approaches, all eyes will be on Lee and his next steps, as he navigates the complex intersection of law, politics and public opinion.
The Korea Times · March 26, 2025
15. From lions to lambs: Crisis of leadership in Korean armed forces
Conclusion:
If Korea is to remain secure and maintain its sovereignty, a recalibration of its expectations from the military is necessary. Leadership development, rigorous training and a culture that rewards responsible decision-making must be prioritized. Ultimately, the Korean people must decide whether they want an effective military or one shackled by unrealistic demands for perfection. The path forward will not be easy, but it is essential if Korea is to emerge stronger and more resilient in the face of evolving threats.
From lions to lambs: Crisis of leadership in Korean armed forces
The Korea Times · March 26, 2025
By Chun In-bum
Chun In-bum
The memory of President Yoon Suk Yeol declaring martial law on Dec. 3 will be etched into the minds of many Koreans. The subsequent impeachment of not only Yoon but also Prime Minister Han Duck-soo highlighted Yoon’s claims of a national emergency that he argued justified his actions. The political turmoil and the complicated process to resolve these matters will take time, but the ever-changing world will not wait for Korea to find stability.
Adding to public concern is the credibility of the Korean Armed Forces. The disappointing attitude displayed by certain Korean military leaders during the hearings and the series of disastrous accidents have intensified these concerns. The most severe incidents include the catastrophic drone crash that destroyed both the drone and a parked helicopter, and the accidental release of live bombs on a village by the ROK Air Force due to incorrect coordinates. (ROK stands for Republic of Korea, South Korea's official name.) As an institution, the Korean military remains intact but now faces significant challenges to its reputation and credibility. The incidents not only exposed operational flaws but also demonstrated a disturbing lack of accountability and professionalism within the ranks.
The public is increasingly questioning the professionalism of the Korean military, especially due to the irresponsible and reckless behavior of some officers directly involved in executing military duties on the night martial law was declared. The apparent absence of a coherent chain of command undermines the credibility of senior leadership. The subsequent accidents further raise concerns about the military’s discipline, training and overall readiness. This lack of readiness is not only a domestic concern but also a vulnerability that could be exploited by adversaries in the increasingly unstable regional security environment.
Any military given a flawed order will struggle to respond effectively. Even Yoon’s closest advisers did not fully understand the rationale behind the martial law declaration. As confusion spread down the chain of command, troops ultimately adhered to principles of democracy and common sense, which prevented the situation from escalating into a national tragedy. This remarkable restraint demonstrated by rank-and-file soldiers suggests a commendable dedication to the rule of law, even when their leaders failed to provide coherent guidance.
The core issue that Korean society must address is the indecisiveness of senior military leadership and their subsequent attitudes. Except for Yoon’s closest military advisers, none of the senior military officials were informed of the intent or urgency of the situation. When they learned of the martial law declaration, they were all in a position to recognize its inappropriateness. Faced with two options —either follow orders or disobey — most chose a third: observing passively to see how events would unfold. Such passivity reflects a broader institutional failure to foster decisive and principled leadership. What causes lions to turn into lambs?
A significant contributor to this indecisive attitude is the unrealistic demand for absolute safety within the armed forces. For the past two decades, Korean society has insisted that there must be no accidents, let alone fatalities, within the military. The only way to achieve such an impossible standard is to halt training or implement extreme safety measures that degrade the effectiveness of training itself. Intense public scrutiny and unwarranted accusations can destroy a commander’s career if their unit is involved in any training accident. This situation has resulted in senior officers who are increasingly risk-averse and, worse, incapable of making decisive decisions.
To be fair, the Korean military of the past was indeed reckless with the lives of its soldiers, resulting in avoidable deaths and injuries. However, the solution is not to eliminate training or to make training excessively difficult. The arbitrary dismissal of commanders following incidents creates an environment of fear and reluctance to make critical decisions. Such a culture is unsustainable for a military institution expected to defend the nation in times of crisis.
A clear and pragmatic social agreement must be established concerning the acceptable costs of training and the proper education of the military. Public opinion, often driven by vocal minorities or well-organized groups, must be balanced by rational policymaking that acknowledges the harsh realities of military preparedness. Insisting on a zero-tolerance policy for training accidents is unrealistic if Korea intends to maintain a fully trained, combat-ready military capable of effectively responding to crises, wars and other critical duties.
The rapidly changing global environment leaves Korea with no choice but to face difficult decisions. The days of relying on business-as-usual practices and expecting others to provide security are over. Korea must develop and sustain a capable military led by competent leaders. Achieving this goal requires not only increased defense spending but also the national will to sacrifice. The commitment to train and educate our military personnel must be unwavering. It is not just about financial resources; it is about readiness, resilience and the collective determination to secure the nation’s future.
If Korea is to remain secure and maintain its sovereignty, a recalibration of its expectations from the military is necessary. Leadership development, rigorous training and a culture that rewards responsible decision-making must be prioritized. Ultimately, the Korean people must decide whether they want an effective military or one shackled by unrealistic demands for perfection. The path forward will not be easy, but it is essential if Korea is to emerge stronger and more resilient in the face of evolving threats.
Chun In-bum (truechun@naver.com) served as a lieutenant general in the ROK Army and was commander of Special Forces Korea.
The Korea Times · March 26, 2025
De Oppresso Liber,
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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