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Quotes of the Day:
"Argue well. It is incredibly important to remember that, in any argument, it's not you against another person. Rather, it's you and the other person against the issue. Separate the human from the problem."
– Dr. Caroline Leaf
"We lost ourselves in what we read, only to return to ourselves, transformed and part of a more expansive world."
– Judith Butler
"Beware that, when fighting monsters, you yourself do not become a monster... for when you gaze long into the abyss, the abyss zes also into you."
– Fredrich Nietzsche
1. Defense minister nominee says he is open to idea of S. Korea's nuclear armament
2. N. Korean leader stresses 'quality' over 'speed' in regional development project
3. Korea Announces 'Cyber Security Plan'... Actively Responding to North Korea's 'Influence Operations'
4. S. Korea to host 2nd int'l forum on responsible use of AI in military next week
5. S. Korean, U.S. Marines hold major amphibious landing drills
6. New Security Design on the Korean Peninsula or just a Rotation of the Guard?
7. North Korean Olympian Selfies Spotlight Rights Crisis
8. South Korea's Defense Minister Nominee: "We Will Respond Firmly to North Korean Provocations"
9. Hybrid Warfare in Ukraine: Russia's Strategic Playbook with China, Iran, and North Korea
10. How Putin’s war is ‘golden ticket’ for Kim with ‘holy grail’ of nukes
11. Questions arise over U.S. will, ability to defend the Philippines from China
12. Olympic shooter Kim Ye-ji does Louis Vuitton photo shoot with Magazine W Korea
1. Defense minister nominee says he is open to idea of S. Korea's nuclear armament
Uh oh. I am disappointed to read this. Such talk actually supports Kim Jong Un's political warfare strategy to subvert both the ROK and the ROK/US alliance.
Then again by advocating for this it may be the ROK strategy to get what the Yoon administration may believe is more practical and more likely: the redeployment of US theater nuclear weapons to South Korea. And I was reminded of something when listening to Bob Peters on VOA Washington Talk last week: We are talking about theater nuclear weapons, not tactical nuclear weapons.
Defense minister nominee says he is open to idea of S. Korea's nuclear armament | Yonhap News Agency
en.yna.co.kr · by Lee Minji · September 2, 2024
SEOUL, Sept. 2 (Yonhap) -- Defense minister nominee Kim Yong-hyun said Monday that South Korea's nuclear armament could be among the options considered to respond to North Korea's nuclear threats amid high public support for the idea of their country going nuclear.
"That is included among all possible options," Kim said in a parliamentary confirmation hearing, in response to a question on the possibility of securing room for nuclear armament.
Speaking to reporters last month, Kim said that he was open to all means to respond to North Korea's nuclear threats, while stressing that the alliance with the United States remains the basis in dealing with such threats.
Kim, who served as the chief of the Presidential Security Service and oversaw the relocation of the presidential office to Yongsan, rejected criticism over the move by main opposition lawmakers, saying the basement bunkers for contingency situations are "much more stronger" at the current location.
In regard to a controversial incident which critics called excessive protection of the president, Kim said measures were reasonably taken in accordance with relevant security guidelines.
On the need to allow women to apply as rank-and-file soldiers amid concerns over the country's ultra-low birth rate, Kim said the idea should be reviewed as an option but that public consensus over the policy should come first.
Kim, meanwhile, strongly rejected claims by the opposition bloc that the administration of Yoon Suk Yeol is seeking to draw up a martial law plan.
"I believe that confirmation hearings are not held for political instigation of things that are not true," he said.
Defense minister nominee Kim Yong-hyun (C) attends a confirmation hearing at the National Assembly in Seoul on Sept. 2, 2024. (Yonhap)
mlee@yna.co.kr
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en.yna.co.kr · by Lee Minji · September 2, 2024
2. N. Korean leader stresses 'quality' over 'speed' in regional development project
Because "Chollima speed" has never worked. This is a method to prevent criticism for the lack of timeliness in support of the Korean people in the north. Now projects never have to be completed because they are waiting on the right conditions and resources to ensure the "quality" of projects. A member of the Propaganda and Agitation Department is going to get a gold star for suggesting this to KJU.
N. Korean leader stresses 'quality' over 'speed' in regional development project | Yonhap News Agency
en.yna.co.kr · by Kim Han-joo · September 2, 2024
By Kim Han-joo
SEOUL, Sept. 2 (Yonhap) -- North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has emphasized the importance of quality over speed in the construction of factories and other modern facilities as part of ongoing efforts to develop underdeveloped regions outside of Pyongyang, state media said Monday.
The directive was issued during Kim's "field guidance" to regional-industry factories under construction in Hamju County, South Hamgyong Province, on Saturday, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
During the visit, Kim emphasized that quality must be ensured and that "any practice of neglecting quality, inclined to speed, is a harmful act that hinders the Party's policy on regional construction," it said.
North Korea has been prioritizing economic development in backward provinces, following Kim's commitment to modernizing factories in 20 counties over the next decade. The country's "20-10 Regional Development Policy" aims to raise what the regime refers to as the basic material and cultural living standards of the people.
The KCNA reported that Kim once again emphasized the importance of the three key rules under the new policy, which includes the construction of additional public health facilities, science and technology learning centers, and grain management stations, alongside the ongoing development of regional industry factories.
While Kim stressed the importance of building these facilities well rather than quickly, he also insisted that hospitals under construction must be completed by the end of the year, despite only four months remaining.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un speaks during a meeting for regional development on Aug. 31, 2024, in this image provided by the North's official Korean Central News Agency. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
khj@yna.co.kr
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en.yna.co.kr · by Kim Han-joo · September 2, 2024
3. Korea Announces 'Cyber Security Plan'... Actively Responding to North Korea's 'Influence Operations'
Good. But not all cyber operations are influence operations and not all influence operations come through cyber. We should be careful about conflating the two. But both Cyber AND Influence operations need to be dealt with both together and separately as appropriate.
This is a Google translation of an RFA report.
Korea Announces 'Cyber Security Plan'... Actively Responding to North Korea's 'Influence Operations'
https://www.rfa.org/korean/in_focus/090224hw-09022024051526.html
Seoul - Hong Seung-wook hongs@rfa.org
2024.09.02
National Security Office Director Shin Won-sik announces the 'National Cyber Security Basic Plan' at the Blue House in Yongsan, Seoul on the 1st.
Yonhap News
00:00 /04:16
Anchor : The South Korean government has announced a cybersecurity plan to counter North Korean hacking organizations . The plan is to counter propaganda, agitation, and manipulation of public opinion in cyberspace . Hong Seung-wook reports from Seoul .
The ' National Cybersecurity Strategy ' newly prepared and announced by the National Security Office of the President of the Republic of Korea in February .
The goal was to prioritize an aggressive and preemptive response to cyber security threats, such as hacking by North Korea and others .
Following this, the Korean government released the ' National Cyber Security Plan ' consisting of 100 action items as a follow-up measure on the 1st .
Shin Won-sik, the new director of South Korea's National Security Office, held a press conference today and announced that the country will respond aggressively to so-called " influence operations " conducted by hostile forces in cyberspace .
Shin Won-sik , Director of the National Security Office of the Republic of Korea (1st ) : We will secure threat deterrence through preemptive and active defense activities against cyber activities and threat actors that undermine national security and interests .
'Influence operations ' refers to strategies and tactics to expand one's power by mobilizing abnormal methods such as propaganda, agitation , and manipulation of public opinion . It means that a specific force with the intention of spreading false information or fake news that causes conflict in cyberspace .
In relation to this, a Korean government official stated, “ We intend to regulate the activities of Korean intelligence investigation agencies against international hacking organizations and state-sponsored hacking organizations . ”
In fact, it is targeting a hacking organization run by North Korean authorities , and South Korean President Yoon Seok-yeol also expressed concerns about it last month and hinted at a strong response .
South Korean President Yoon Seok-yeol ( at the '2024 International Symposium on Responding to Cybercrime ' on the 27th of last month ): Cybercrime has now reached a level that threatens national security . State-sponsored hacking organizations are carrying out cyberattacks, threatening individuals, businesses, and even the functions of other countries .
A senior official at the South Korean presidential office explained that it would be difficult to disclose all of the contents of the 100 tasks presented that day, as some of them are considered national secrets and others are diplomatic issues requiring cooperation with foreign countries .
Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Tae-yeol speaks during a press conference held at a hotel in Vientiane, Laos on the afternoon of July 27 (local time) regarding the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF). / Yonhap News Agency archive photo
Meanwhile, the Office of the President stated that regarding the possibility of Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida visiting Korea, “ We are in the final stages of coordinating the specific schedule and final agenda . ”
On the same day, South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yeol also expressed his position in a broadcast that regardless of whether the leaders of the United States and Japan change, South Korea-U.S.-Japan security cooperation will be guaranteed through institutionalization .
Minister Cho appeared on a Korean broadcast that day and said that the institutionalization of security cooperation among the three countries would be deepened and strengthened , and reaffirmed that there was a consensus and agreement among the leaders .
South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yeol ( KBS's Sunday Diagnosis Live on the 1st ) : There is a consensus among the three countries on the need for cooperation among South Korea, the US, and Japan, and the leaders have already reached an agreement, so I don't think there will be a major change just because the leaders of the US and Japan are replaced .
Minister Cho dismissed concerns that cooperation among South Korea, the United States and Japan could be shaken if a certain candidate is elected in the U.S. presidential election in November , explaining that all candidates value cooperation among the three countries .
Regarding the Korea-US-Japan summit that was agreed to be held annually at Camp David last year , he said , “ It is scheduled to be held, but the specific timing is the only issue, ” and that the results will be announced soon after the ongoing negotiations are concluded .
Regarding the omission of the “ denuclearization of North Korea ” from the Democratic and Republican parties’ platforms announced ahead of the U.S. presidential election, he stated , “ There are few cases where the platform policies are implemented as is after the launch of the government, ” and “ Specific policies are concretized after the launch through internal review and consultation with relevant countries . ”
He continued , “ In the process, South Korea will convey its firm will for denuclearization and discuss and concretize cooperation strategies between the three countries and the two countries ,” emphasizing that there is no need to doubt the policy will of the two major political parties in the U.S. and that the key is how to put it into practice effectively .
This is Hong Seung-wook of RFA's Radio Free Asia in Seoul .
Editor Yang Seong-won
4. S. Korea to host 2nd int'l forum on responsible use of AI in military next week
S. Korea to host 2nd int'l forum on responsible use of AI in military next week | Yonhap News Agency
en.yna.co.kr · by Kim Han-joo · September 2, 2024
By Kim Han-joo
SEOUL, Sept. 2 (Yonhap) -- South Korea will host an international conference on exploring the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the military domain next week, the foreign ministry said Monday.
The second Responsible AI in the Military Domain (REAIM) conference is scheduled to be held Monday and Tuesday, also to be co-hosted by the Netherlands and Singapore, the ministry said.
The upcoming forum will be the second such gathering following the inaugural meeting in the Hague in February last year.
Over 1,400 participants from governments, industries, civil society, academia and think tanks from 121 countries, including AI-leading nations, like the United States and China, have registered for the event, according to a ministry official who spoke on the condition of anonymity.
"Establishing international norms is directly linked to our national security interests, and this conference will serve as a platform to present discourse aligned with those interests while showcasing advanced capabilities of our companies," the official said.
The official added participants will adopt a blueprint outlining responsible AI principles in the military sector and will work on establishing minimum safeguards in this field.
Last month, Ambassador Lee Won-ik, who heads the REAIM Summit 2024's preparatory team, invited foreign representatives from 90 countries stationed in South Korea to a briefing session where he updated them on the preparations.
The foreign ministry holds a briefing session in Seoul for foreign diplomats stationed in South Korea on the preparations for the Responsible AI in the Military Domain conference, slated for Sept. 9 and 10, in this file photo provided by the ministry on Aug. 1, 2024. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
khj@yna.co.kr
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en.yna.co.kr · by Kim Han-joo · September 2, 2024
5. S. Korean, U.S. Marines hold major amphibious landing drills
Just for the record, exercises in multiple domains and among multiple components are conducted before, during, and after major exercises such as Ulchi Freedom Shield. Training is perishable and must be sustained year around.
S. Korean, U.S. Marines hold major amphibious landing drills | Yonhap News Agency
en.yna.co.kr · by Chae Yun-hwan · September 2, 2024
SEOUL, Sept. 2 (Yonhap) -- Dozens of amphibious vehicles carrying South Korean and U.S. Marines charged ashore Monday to secure target areas as part of combined drills designed to enhance their amphibious landing capabilities.
The drills took place across two coastal areas in Pohang, 273 kilometers southeast of Seoul, as the key phase of the allies' annual Ssang Yong (double dragon) exercise that kicked off last Monday for a 13-day run.
South Korean Marines take part in a combined amphibious landing exercise with U.S. troops at a coastal area in Pohang, 273 kilometers southeast of Seoul, on Sept. 2, 2024, in this photo provided by the Marine Corps. (Yonhap)
South Korean and U.S. commandos, along with the South's drones, first scouted the coastal areas before U.S. F-35B stealth fighters and AH-1Z attack helicopters fired upon simulated enemy targets to secure the areas for landing, the Marine Corps said.
More than 50 South Korean and U.S. amphibious vehicles then charged onto the coast, followed by paratroopers jumping from a C-130 transport plane onto the target areas.
This year's Ssang Yong exercise featured a combined staff of South Korean and U.S. officers leading the drills for the first time. They oversaw the drills aboard the South Korean Navy's ROKS Marado amphibious assault ship.
The exercise has mobilized some 40 warships, including the USS Boxer amphibious assault ship, and around 40 aircraft, including the U.S. V-22 Osprey. A company-level Marine commando unit from Britain also joined the exercise for the second consecutive year.
A combined amphibious landing exercise between South Korea and the United States takes place at a coastal area in Pohang, 273 kilometers southeast of Seoul, on Sept. 2, 2024, in this photo provided by the Marine Corps. (Yonhap)
yunhwanchae@yna.co.kr
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en.yna.co.kr · by Chae Yun-hwan · September 2, 2024
6. New Security Design on the Korean Peninsula or just a Rotation of the Guard?
A question that is necessary - how does a new security design or a "rotation of the guard" support the 8.15 Unification Doctrine? I do not think we are grasping the strategic significance of the new doctrine and what that means for the Korean peninsula and all those concerned with the strategic security and prosperity issues of the region.
https://www.isdp.eu/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Blog-52-Chun.pdf
New Security Design on the Korean Peninsula or just a Rotation of the Guard? - Institute for Security and Development Policy
2024-09-02 by In-bum Chun
isdp.eu · · September 2, 2024
The recent announcement by the South Korean government regarding changes in its senior security administration has sparked significant interest and speculation about potential shifts in policy and the security environment on the Korean Peninsula.
On August 12, 2024, it was reported that the current Minister of Defense, Shin Won-shik, would be transitioning to the position of National Security Advisor. Concurrently, the incumbent National Security Advisor, Jang Ho-jin, would assume the role of Special Advisor to the President. Additionally, Kim Yong-hyun, who was serving as the Head of Security for the Presidential office, would be appointed as the new Minister of Defense.
Potential Implications
These personnel changes are particularly noteworthy due to the relatively short tenure of Shin Won-shik as Minister of Defense, lasting just 10 months. This duration falls considerably short of the average one to two years typically observed for Korean ministers, suggesting that this move may be more than a routine reshuffling of positions. The brevity of Shin’s tenure raises questions about the motivations behind these changes and their potential implications for South Korea’s defense and security policies.
Both Shin and his replacement, Kim, share similar professional backgrounds as retired military officers who served in the Korean Army. Their experience as Infantry officers, coupled with joint training and roles as principals in the Republic of Korea Joint Chiefs of Staff Headquarters, provides them with a comprehensive understanding of the nation’s defense apparatus. This alignment in their military experience is particularly significant given the unique role of the Korean Minister of Defense, who holds operational command authorities for the South Korean forces, delegated by the Commander-in-Chief of the South Korean military, the President of Korea.
The appointment of the Minister of Defense as the National Security Advisor appears to signal a clear emphasis on defense and security matters within the broader national security framework of the Yoon administration. This marks a notable shift from the previous arrangement, where the National Security Advisor, Jang Ho-jin, had a predominantly diplomatic background. The contrast in professional experiences between Jang and Shin underscores the potential for a more defense-oriented approach to national security under the new leadership structure.
In South Korea, the National Security Advisor oversees the activities of the Ministries of Defense, Foreign Affairs, and Unification. This strategic positioning of a former Minister of Defense in this role suggests that the Yoon administration may be preparing to place even greater emphasis on security issues, potentially maintaining or intensifying the government’s hardline policies towards North Korea.
Policy Continuity
The expectation of policy continuity, particularly regarding North Korea, is further reinforced by the similar military backgrounds and political views shared by both the outgoing and incoming Ministers of Defense. This alignment in perspective and experience suggests that any major departures from the current stance on inter-Korean relations are unlikely in the immediate future.
It is crucial to consider these changes within the broader context of the challenges facing the Korean Peninsula. South Korea has long grappled with security concerns emanating not only from North Korea but also from regional geopolitical dynamics and global events. The new security team will be tasked with navigating this complex landscape, requiring a delicate balance of military preparedness, diplomatic finesse, and strategic foresight.
Despite the personnel changes, it is important to note that the fundamental structure of the South Korean government’s national security apparatus remains consistent with current policy. This structural continuity suggests that the Yoon administration’s overall foreign policy and North Korea-related initiatives are likely to maintain a relatively steady trajectory, at least in the short to medium term.
Task before New Team
However, the effectiveness of the new security team will ultimately be measured by its ability to address the multifaceted challenges facing the Korean Peninsula. These challenges include managing the ongoing tensions with North Korea, navigating the complex dynamics between regional powers such as China, Russia, and Japan, and maintaining strong ties with key allies, particularly the United States.
The importance of effective coordination and collaboration with South Korea’s allies cannot be overstated. As the security environment in Northeast Asia continues to evolve, with factors such as China’s increasing assertiveness and the ongoing development of North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs, the new team must work diligently to strengthen South Korea’s position on the global stage and ensure the protection of its national interests.
While speculation about the motivations behind these appointments is natural, it is essential to maintain a balanced and objective perspective. The full rationale behind the timing and specific reasons for these changes may not be entirely clear at this juncture, and it would be prudent to avoid making hasty conclusions. As with any significant governmental change, the true impact of these appointments will likely become more apparent over time as the new team settles into their roles and begins to implement their strategic vision.
It is worth noting that the Korean Peninsula has historically faced a complex and ever-evolving security environment, which has required successive administrations to adapt and refine their strategic approaches. The ability of the Yoon administration’s new security team to navigate these challenges effectively will be crucial in shaping South Korea’s security posture and its relationships with regional and global partners.
In conclusion, the recent changes in South Korea’s senior security administrators have understandably generated significant interest and speculation both domestically and internationally. While the timing and specific reasoning behind these personnel shifts may not be entirely evident, the overall structure and policy trajectory of the South Korean national security apparatus appear to be maintaining a degree of continuity, with a potential emphasis on defense and security matters under the new leadership.
As the Yoon administration’s security team takes shape, it will be crucial for them to demonstrate their capacity to address the multifaceted challenges facing the Korean peninsula. Their ability to balance military preparedness with diplomatic engagement, manage complex regional relationships, and work closely with international partners will be key factors in safeguarding South Korea’s national interests and ensuring the security and well-being of its citizens in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.
isdp.eu · by Jagannath Panda · September 2, 2024
7. North Korean Olympian Selfies Spotlight Rights Crisis
The "prime directive" for the regime is absolute control of the people, every aspect of their lives AND minds.
The Korean people in the north, evidenced by these Olympians, just want to live like everyone else in the world and have normal human contact.
We need a human rights upfront approach to the regime.
North Korean Olympian Selfies Spotlight Rights Crisis
Repression of Athletes Shows Overwhelming Ideological Control at Home and Abroad
hrw.org · by Lina Yoon Senior Researcher, Asia Division linayp linayp · September 1, 2024
Click to expand Image
South Korea's Lim Jong-hoon, right, takes a selfie with other table tennis Olympians, including North Korea's Ri Jong Sik, left, and Kim Kum, second left, during the medal ceremony at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France, July 30, 2024. © 2024 Petros Giannakouris/AP Photo
North Korean athletes who took selfies with their South Korean and Chinese counterparts at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games are reportedly facing intense scrutiny and possible punishment upon their return home. In North Korea, even an innocent selfie can have stark implications, given the government’s strict ideological controls and repression.
While the athletes’ selfies were celebrated by many as a sign of unity and sportsmanship, the government’s response to them highlights the harsh realities of North Korea’s oppressive system. The government severely restricts information, dictates what people can read, watch, and discuss, and only allows a few high-ranking officials to access the internet. Unauthorized communication with outsiders is heavily punished.
In March, Human Rights Watch documented how, since 2020, North Korean authorities banned language associated with South Korean culture and imposed new laws further restricting access to unsanctioned information. Last year, a newspaper with contacts inside North Korea reported that a group of North Korean youth athletes received sentences of three to five years’ forced labor for using South Korean slang.
The scrutiny athletes face upon returning from international events demonstrates the North Korean government’s efforts to control behavior beyond its borders. Diplomats, students, and workers abroad have also faced stringent oversight. Five former government officials and two men who worked overseas told me after escaping North Korea that anyone allowed to go overseas undergoes rigorous ideological training, constant monitoring while abroad, and exhaustive evaluations upon return. Even minor deviations from approved conduct are scrutinized, and any signs of outside ideological influence can result in severe unspecified consequences.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC), the authority over the Olympic Games, has a responsibility to protect athletes from all forms of harassment and abuse, as set out in the Olympic Charter. North Korean athletes should not fear retribution for actions at the Games, not least when their actions embody the values of respect and friendship, on which the Olympic Movement is built.
As we witness these rare moments of international connection, governments around the world should back efforts to hold the North Korean government accountable for its horrific rights violations. The IOC needs to use its influence to help protect these athletes and should not encourage participation by repressive states that do not ensure the safety of those participating.
8. South Korea's Defense Minister Nominee: "We Will Respond Firmly to North Korean Provocations"
I wish that would include an aggressive and sophisticated information campaign.
This is a Google translation of an RFA article.
South Korea's Defense Minister Nominee: "We Will Respond Firmly to North Korean Provocations"
https://www.rfa.org/korean/in_focus/nk_nuclear_talks/rok-defense-09022024095320.html
Seoul-Hando hando@rfa.org
2024.09.02
Defense Minister nominee Kim Yong-hyun is sworn in during a confirmation hearing held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul on the 2nd.
/Yonhap News
00:00 /03:25
Anchor : Kim Yong-hyun, the nominee for South Korean Minister of National Defense, has stated that if North Korea provokes him, he will retaliate firmly under the principle of "immediate, strong, and to the end." Han Do-hyung reports from Seoul.
The confirmation hearing of the nominee for Minister of National Defense, Kim Yong-hyun, was held at the plenary session of the National Assembly Defense Committee on the 2nd .
Minister nominee Kim stated at the event, “ If North Korea provokes us, we will respond immediately , strongly , and to the end , that is , we will firmly respond according to the ‘ immediate , strong , and end ’ principle, and prevent them from provoking us again . ”
The principle of responding firmly to North Korea's provocations with the " immediate , strong , and end " principle is the position that Minister of National Defense Shin Won-sik put forth when he took office in October of last year , and Minister nominee Kim intends to continue this . These are the words of Minister nominee Kim Yong-hyun .
Kim Yong -hyun , nominee for Minister of National Defense of the Republic of Korea : We will build overwhelming national defense capabilities and postures so that the enemy will not dare to provoke us . Nevertheless, if there is a provocation, we will retaliate firmly under the principle of “ immediately , strongly , and to the end ” to prevent further provocations .
In addition, Minister nominee Kim diagnosed that “ North Korea-Russia military cooperation is becoming closer, and in particular, North Korea is seriously threatening the peace and security of the international community by advancing its nuclear and missile capabilities . ”
Meanwhile, Minister nominee Kim emphasized, “ I will strengthen the ROK-US joint training and proactively integrate the extended deterrence capabilities of the ROK-US alliance, which has been upgraded to a nuclear-based alliance . ”
Earlier, on the 16th of last month, Minister nominee Kim met with reporters and emphasized the importance of the ROK-US alliance and extended deterrence , while also raising the need to devise additional means to respond to the North Korean nuclear threat. He expressed the same position at the National Assembly confirmation hearing on the 2nd .
Regarding the remarks of People Power Party lawmaker Yoo Yong - won, who said , “I am in favor of building nuclear potential, ” he said, “ That ( building nuclear potential ) is included among all possibilities . ”
In February 2020 , while serving as a visiting professor at Soongsil University, Minister nominee Kim contributed an article to the South Korean media outlet ' Korea Economic Daily ' in which he argued that " we need to change our approach to North Korea's denuclearization " and that self-defense nuclear armament should be considered as one of the realistic means .
This position is different from the position that previous South Korean government officials, including Minister of National Defense Shin Won-sik, have repeatedly expressed, who have emphasized the need to strengthen extended deterrence . These are the words of Minister nominee Kim .
Kim Yong-hyun, nominee for Minister of National Defense of the Republic of Korea : ( Rep . Yoo Yong - won of the People Power Party : I personally support the potential for nuclear armament . What do you think, Mr. Candidate ?) I think that is one of those possibilities .
In addition, Minister nominee Kim agreed with the assessment that North Korea's recent test-fire of a new 240mm multiple rocket launcher has raised the threat level to the South Korean capital area .
Meanwhile, Minister nominee Kim stated that it would be desirable to bring forward the timing of the deployment of the ROK military's long-range artillery interception system (LAMD) .
The long-range artillery interception system is a low-altitude missile defense system of the South Korean military that can intercept North Korea's rocket launchers , and is scheduled to be operational in 2029 .
South Korea Defense Minister Nominee: “Extended Deterrence is Basic, All Means Considered”
South Korean Government Strongly Condemns North Korean Missiles… “Overwhelming Response in the Event of Direct Provocation”
Expert: “Kim Jong-un’s On-Site Guidance of the Rocket Launcher is a Multipurpose Move for Power Generation and Weapon Exports ”
Meanwhile, South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who attended the plenary session of the National Assembly Budget Settlement Special Committee on the 2nd, said , “ North Korea’s General Secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea Kim Jong-un, who declared that he would view South Korea as an enemy country, does not seem to be trying to maintain normal inter-Korean relations, ” and said that a strong national defense capability must be used as a deterrent .
Prime Minister Han also added that to this end, we must move toward strengthening cooperation with the South Korea-U.S. alliance and Japan .
Prime Minister Han Duck-soo : North Korean leader Kim Jong-un does not seem to me to be someone who is trying to maintain normal inter-Korean relations . Ultimately , I think the only choice we have to make is to have a strong national defense force , self-reliance , economic power, and a clear deterrent .
Editor Yang Seong-won , Web Editor Han Deok-in
9. Hybrid Warfare in Ukraine: Russia's Strategic Playbook with China, Iran, and North Korea
Again this is one of many of Ken Robinson's writings he just published on LinkedIn.
The Dark Quad and hybrid warfare.
The graphic at the link is very interesting: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/hybrid-warfare-ukraine-russias-strategic-playbook-china-ken-robinson-lmdwc/
Though north Korea is shown some 5 times, its flag does not appear to have been properly generated by what I think must have been AI.
Hybrid Warfare in Ukraine: Russia's Strategic Playbook with China, Iran, and North Korea
Hybrid Warfare in Ukraine: Russia's Strategic Playbook with China, Iran, and North Korea
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/hybrid-warfare-ukraine-russias-strategic-playbook-china-ken-robinson-lmdwc/
National Security, Counter Terrorism, Cyber Security, and Multi-Media Entertainment Professional
August 31, 2024
By: Ken Robinson
Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine represents a stark application of hybrid warfare, involving a calculated blend of military might, cyber operations, disinformation, and economic manipulation. Backed by China, Iran, and North Korea, Russia's multifaceted approach aims to destabilize Ukraine while exerting broader influence over the global geopolitical landscape. We must examine the tactical, operational, and strategic dimensions of Russia’s hybrid warfare, identifying the roles of its allies, and outlining the necessary steps for Ukraine, NATO, the EU, and the broader Western alliance to counter this threat.
Tactical, Operational, and Strategic Objectives
Russia’s hybrid warfare campaign against Ukraine operates on multiple levels:
- Tactical Level: Russia’s immediate objectives include disrupting Ukrainian defense capabilities, targeting critical infrastructure through cyberattacks, and spreading disinformation to confuse and demoralize both the Ukrainian military and civilian populations. Tactics like these aim to create chaos, reduce Ukraine's operational effectiveness, and undermine public confidence in the Ukrainian government.
- Operational Level: Russia employs a mix of conventional military engagements, cyber operations, and the manipulation of energy supplies to pressure Ukraine and its allies. By maintaining a sustained military presence and periodically escalating hostilities, Russia seeks to keep Ukraine in a state of constant instability. Cyber warfare tactics, such as disrupting communication networks and infrastructure, are designed to cripple Ukraine’s ability to respond effectively.
- Strategic Level: Strategically, Russia aims to reassert its influence over former Soviet territories and weaken the NATO alliance. By collaborating with China, Iran, and North Korea, Russia is bolstering its position against the West, leveraging each ally's strengths—China's economic power and cyber capabilities, Iran’s experience with proxy warfare, and North Korea’s willingness to engage in disruptive activities. Together, these alliances form a multifaceted threat to Western democracies, seeking to fracture alliances and promote an anti-Western narrative globally.
Dissecting Russia’s Hybrid Warfare: The Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How
- Who: Russia leads the hybrid warfare effort, backed by China, Iran, and North Korea. These nations provide material support, strategic cooperation, and mutual reinforcement in propaganda and cyber operations, each driven by their interests in diminishing Western influence. The west needs to deal with this cabal as a criminal block, not individual nation states – they are an axis.
- What: The primary components of Russia’s hybrid warfare include direct military intervention, cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, and economic coercion. These activities aim to destabilize Ukraine while undermining the credibility and unity of the Western alliance.
- When: This campaign has been ongoing since the initial invasion of Crimea in 2014, escalating significantly with the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The collaboration with China, Iran, and North Korea has been increasingly evident, with these nations providing various forms of economic, logistical, and military arms and ammunition support at critical junctures.
- Where: The primary battlefield is Ukraine, but the conflict extends into cyberspace and the broader geopolitical arena. Russia’s influence campaigns also target the global community, including Europe, Africa, and other regions where anti-Western sentiments can be fostered.
- Why: Russia's ultimate goal is to reassert dominance over Ukraine and reestablish a sphere of influence across former Soviet territories. By undermining the credibility of Western alliances, Russia seeks to shift the global balance of power in favor of a multipolar world order where Western liberal democracies are weakened. Thus, BRICS: Russia, China, and Iran hide, veiled in a legitimate alternative economic block, using the United Nations as its shield, attempting to shape the behavior of its unwitting members.
- How: Through a combination of conventional military force, cyber operations, economic leverage, and information warfare, Russia is executing a sophisticated strategy designed to achieve its objectives without crossing thresholds that would provoke full-scale military retaliation from NATO.
The Western Response: What Should Be Done?
To counter Russia’s hybrid warfare strategy, the Western alliance must adopt a coordinated, comprehensive approach that addresses both immediate threats and long-term challenges:
1. Strengthen Cyber Defenses: NATO and EU countries must enhance their cyber defenses, not only to protect critical infrastructure but also to counteract disinformation campaigns that seek to undermine public trust. This includes greater collaboration in intelligence sharing and developing unified cyber response protocols.
2. Unified Economic Sanctions: A unified and rigorous application of economic sanctions against Russia and its allies, targeting key sectors such as energy and finance, can exert significant pressure. Sanctions should be designed to be difficult to circumvent and coupled with support for countries that might be disproportionately affected by such measures.
3. Support for Ukraine: Military aid to Ukraine should be sustained and increased, including advanced weaponry, training, and intelligence support. Additionally, economic assistance is crucial to bolster Ukraine’s resilience against hybrid threats, ensuring that the country remains politically and economically stable.
4. Strategic Communication: The West must develop a cohesive narrative that counters Russian propaganda. This involves not only debunking false information but also actively promoting the values and benefits of democratic governance and international cooperation.
5. Enhanced Military Readiness: NATO should continue to enhance its military readiness, including positioning forces in Eastern Europe and conducting regular joint exercises. This demonstrates a credible deterrent and reassures frontline states of the alliance's commitment to their defense, especially as Russia is being forced to recall its proxy PMC fighters in Africa, and call up teenagers to defend the homeland. Recent legislation has been proposed to extend the eligible age of youth capable of joining the war effort to the age of 14! Russia is not a ten foot tall Grizzly bear, but it is resilient to hardship, and historically counts on harsh winters as its second line of defense.
6. Diplomatic Engagement: While military readiness is essential, diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions should not be neglected. Track II diplomacy, quiet negotiations, and engagement with non-aligned nations can help de-escalate this conflict and build broader coalitions against future hybrid threats.
Conclusion: A Roadmap for a Unified Western Response
To ensure peace and security in Europe and avoid a prolonged frozen conflict, the Western alliance must develop a coherent strategy that combines hard power & soft power, cyber resilience, and strategic communication with equal quiet diplomatic efforts.
By all means necessary to stop the bloodshed.
This strategy should prioritize rapid adaptation to evolving threats, proactive measures to counteract hybrid tactics, and a unified stance that reinforces the principles of international law and democratic governance.
By learning from past failures and investing in collective security, the West can deter hybrid aggression, protect vulnerable democracies, and lay the foundation for lasting peace and stability in Europe, and an unstable developing world.
The time to act is now, to avoid the costlier consequences of inaction, a decades long frozen conflict, or western disunity in the face of this multifaceted threat.
Russia only understands power, and strength, and has utter contempt to those who vacillate before it.
10. How Putin’s war is ‘golden ticket’ for Kim with ‘holy grail’ of nukes
Fear, weakness, desperation and envy on the part of both members of the Dark Quad.
Excerpts:
One expert said in return Kim could be getting "Holy Grail" nuclear technology.
Professor Justin Hastings said nuclear weapon tech was the "Holy Grail of what North Korea wanted".
The twisted tyrant is looking to grow his nuclear arsenal and make his weapons of mass destruction even deadlier.
But, the University of Sydney expert said Russia might be hesitant to hand it over, instead looking to help the Hermit Kingdom in other ways.
He said: "It may be a combination of hard currency, oil, and technological assistance with its satellite program, its missile program."
How Putin’s war is ‘golden ticket’ for Kim with ‘holy grail’ of nukes
Kim Jong-un is shipping containers full of weapons to Russia
the-sun.com · by James Halpin · September 1, 2024
VLADIMIR Putin's Ukraine war is a "golden" ticket for Kim Jong-un as the tyrant could try and trade weapons for nukes.
The North Korean despot is supplying tens of thousands of containers of weapons to Russia for its illegal invasion.
Kim Jong-un smiles as he watches a suicide drone smash into a targetCredit: AP10
Russian president Vladimir Putin visited North Korea in JuneCredit: Reuters
North Korea is selling weapons to Russia to be used in its illegal invasion of UkraineCredit: Reuters
The pals walked through a rose garden in PyongyangCredit: AFP
One expert said in return Kim could be getting "Holy Grail" nuclear technology.
Professor Justin Hastings said nuclear weapon tech was the "Holy Grail of what North Korea wanted".
The twisted tyrant is looking to grow his nuclear arsenal and make his weapons of mass destruction even deadlier.
But, the University of Sydney expert said Russia might be hesitant to hand it over, instead looking to help the Hermit Kingdom in other ways.
He said: "It may be a combination of hard currency, oil, and technological assistance with its satellite program, its missile program."
He said North Korea could also be after their "holy grail" - nuclear weapon technology.
He said Russia's invasion of Ukraine was a "golden opportunity" for North Korea.
"For North Korea this was a essentially a godsend."
"One of the interesting things about North Korea is that they they were one of the few countries that didn't hide their support of Russia."
"It can support Russia wholeheartedly in this [invasion]"
Bizarre Carpool Karaoke-style vid shows Putin driving giggling Kim Jong-un in limo before evil pals’ emotional goodbye
He said North Korea doesn't care about the morality or legality of Russia invading Ukraine.
"It allows them to sell lots of weapons to Russia.
"It allows Russia to play interference or gives Russia incentives to play interference for North Korea on sanctions."
He said selling weapons to Russia had allowed the country to decrease the leverage China has over it.
Satellite images show three Russian ships loading containers at North Korea's revived Najin port
Russia using the weapons in Ukraine had also proved to be a good testing ground for the weapons.
"North Korean weapons have now been used more in Ukraine since they have been in total since 1953."
"Everything's coming up positive for North Korea. This is a no lose situation for it when it comes to participation in Ukraine."
In September last year, the pair met at a summit in Russia's Amur region where the tinpot tyrant gave his support for Putin' "sacred fight" in Ukraine.
Kim has sent 13,000 shipping containers carrying arms to Russia for the war over a two-year period, one South Korean minister said.
Ammunition supplies are critical for Russia to continue prosecuting its war and killing the innocent Ukrainians.
In January, Russia used North Korean missiles to blitz Ukraine for the first time killing at least 50 people.
Russian ships used to transport North Korean weaponsCredit: UK Ministry of Defence © Crown Copyright 2023
Missile tanks Bulsae-4 on show in PyongyangCredit: North Korean State Media
Putin fired the Hwasong 11-series ballistic missile at civilians with the US accusing Vlad of firing the bombs at his neighbours eight more times.
The missile typically has a 250kg or 485kg warhead and can be fired up to 137miles.
At the end of last month, small North Korean tanks, named Bulsae-4, were even spotted fighting in Ukraine.
North Korea has denied supplying the Kremlin with ballistic missiles and artillery shells following Kim Yong Un's meeting with Vladimir Putin last year.
In June, Putin made a bizarre trip to Pyongyang where the two dictators looked like old pals in a car ride together.
Kim has even pledged to send 15,000 tunnellers to Ukraine to dig a Hamas-style underground front.
Russia is using 'dark' ships with their GPS turned off so they can't be tracked to ship some of the containers.
And Putin is also protecting his pal at the UN by vetoing bodies supposed to enforce the sanctions against North Korea.
Bizarre moment Putin takes Kim Jong Un for a spin in new £350k bulletproof limo as despots’ bromance goes into overdrive
By Georgie English
THIS is the bizarre moment Vladimir Putin and his new best pal Kim Jong-un went for a spin in a £350,000 bulletproof limousine.
The pair of despots were seen hopping in the luxury Aurus after Putin, 71, gifted the pricey motor to the Supreme Leader as part of his historic trip to North Korea.
The tyrant twins have struck up a chilling friendship in recent years with Putin's visit sending the bromance into overdrive.
Fascinating footage shows Putin stepping into the driving seat of the Aurus as Kim, 40, jumps into the passenger seat.
The car is surrounded by a huge number of security but when the doors close the pair are surprisingly left alone in the motor.
The feared twosome then went on a chilled ride around the lavish grounds of a guest house in the North Korean capital of Pyongyang with next to no protection with them.
The two are said to share "pent-up inmost thoughts" on their car rides together, North Korean state media said.
Footage captured the two smiling and driving together like in an episode of carpool karaoke.
Putin also handed Kim an admiral's dagger and a tea set.
Such elaborate gifts are all but guaranteed to be a violation of Moscow-backed United Nations Security Council sanctions against Pyongyang.
Along the journey the two switched seats as Kim got behind the wheel following crunch summit talks between the two tyrants.
Kim rolled out the red carpet for his "Axis of Evil" ally as the tyrants vow to forge a "New World Order" in June.
Kim and Premier Kim Tok Hun visit a flood-affected area near the border with China recentlyCredit: Reuters
the-sun.com · by James Halpin · September 1, 2024
11. Questions arise over U.S. will, ability to defend the Philippines from China
Excerpts:
“The issue for Congress is whether the Administration’s strategy for competing strategically with China in the [South China and East China Seas] is appropriate and correctly resourced, and whether Congress should approve, reject, or modify the strategy, the level of resources for implementing it, or both,” the report stated. “Decisions that Congress makes on these issues could substantially affect U.S. strategic, political, and economic interests in the Indo-Pacific region and elsewhere.”
These questions are especially germane given that — for the first time since 2001 — not a single U.S. carrier strike group is currently patrolling the region.
Even though these flagship U.S. force-projection assets are expected to return to Indo-Pacific, the overstretch that the globally deployed U.S. armed forces face, compared to China’s PLA and PLA Navy, which are predominantly based in the region, is striking.
The PLAN currently fields two carrier strike groups, with a third carrier undergoing sea trials and a fourth under construction. Moreover, the four bases in the South China Sea that boast jet runways are de facto “unsinkable aircraft carriers.”
When it comes to the gray-zone assets that are prosecuting China’s strategy — predominantly Coast Guard vessels and maritime militias — the disparity is even more striking.
This lopsided strategic reality may explain high-level U.S. calls for deconfliction.
Questions arise over U.S. will, ability to defend the Philippines from China
Indo-Pacific chief says forces stand ready; Manila and Washington dither; China creeps forward
washingtontimes.com · by Andrew Salmon
By - The Washington Times - Saturday, August 31, 2024
SEOUL, South Korea — Both the United States and the Philippines are agonizing over their ability to deter China as confrontations between an under-resourced Manila and an expansionist Beijing increase.
While security issues in East Asia are multiple — North Korea’s nuclear threat, Chinese claims to Japanese-administered islands in the East China Sea, Chinese intimidation of Taiwan — senior U.S. officials, officers and congressional researchers have been concentrating on the flashpoint South China Sea.
Tensions over disputed maritime territories there are escalating, with barely a week going by without an incident.
On Saturday, Beijing and Manila traded accusations over who rammed whom in an incident in which Chinese and Philippine vessels physically clashed in disputed waters off Sabina Shoal, which lies just 87 miles west of the Philippines and 746 miles south of China.
Similar tensions had arisen exactly one week prior.
The U.S. stands ready
SEE ALSO: Chinese and Philippine vessels collide at a disputed atoll and governments trade accusations
Earlier, at an Indo-Pacific Command conference held last week in the Philippines, the senior U.S. officer in the region said his command stood ready to act — if so ordered.
“We certainly have prepared a range of options and USINDOPACOM stands ready, if so called, after consultations in accordance with the treaty to execute those shoulder to shoulder with our ally,” U.S. Indo-Pacific Commander, Adm. Samuel Paparo told a conference in the Philippines this week, The Associated Press reported.
He declined to detail those measures, stating that would enable a potential adversary to design countermeasures. However, he did say he was open to consultations on U.S. vessels escorting Philippine vessels carrying out operations in the disputed waters.
That drew immediate ire in Beijing.
State-run media Global Times editorialized that the step would “… only fan the flames and encourage Manila to make more infringing provocations.”
Chinese newswire Xinhua stated, “Illegally intruding into China’s territories in the South China Sea while portraying itself as the victim, the Philippines is perfectly employing the age-old tactic of the thief crying ‘stop thief!’”
Ignoring a 2016 international arbitration which found for the Philippines, China claims most of the South China Sea.
Chinese media claims Beijing’s “sovereignty” over maritime features, and insists on the “illegality” of other states’ claims, but declines to detail any ethical, geographical or legal argument backing that stance in international fora.
Adm. Paparo was speaking at a joint press conference with the Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Gen. Romero Brawner Jr., on the sidelines of an annual security dialogue in the Philippine city of Baguio, home to the Philippines Military Academy.
Philippine discomfort
One question is whether Manila is prepared to invoke its mutual defense treaty with Washington. Articles IV and V of the treaty mention “armed attack” as a trigger for invocation, but the two-word term is not clarified.
This lack of detail in the 1951 document is proving problematic in 2024.
China, in its “salami slicing” takeover of maritime features of the South China Sea, has, per August research by the U.S. Congress, constructed 13 bases on the waterway’s reefs and islets. Twelve include helipads, four include large harbors, four include large, fixed-wing pads, and four include missile platforms.
China’s creeping advance across the waterway is being spearheaded not by the powerful PLA Navy, but by the Chinese coast guard. Tactics used include rammings, water cannonings and laser firings, as well as flare drops by aircraft and area denial using centrally directed fleets of fishing vessels.
Critically, China’s advancing forces are not firing weapons of war.
Manila’s point man on security expressed frustration at Beijing’s infiltration through gaps in the mutual defense treaty (MDT).
“I think we should broaden the scope of MDT to face a dynamic and cunning adversary,” Secretary of National Defense Gilbert Teodoro Jr. said this week, when asked about the issue by Philippine reporters.
Earlier, in prepared statements, he had said, “The MDT itself between the United States and the Philippines is a great deterrent, and I think it is important that it should be interpreted dynamically, and the biggest danger for us is to narrow down or canalize our operational limitations.”
The issue is on the minds of persons other than Amd. Paparo and Mr. Teodoro.
Is the U.S. ready to counter China’s advance?
The U.S. Congressional Research Service updated on Aug. 26 a 123-page report, “U.S.-China Strategic Competition in South and East China Seas: Background and Issues for Congress.”
The report lists issues central to the U.S. strategic interest, ranging from the rule of law and freedom of navigation to support for allies and contesting China’s hegemonic regional claims.
The major question the report raised is whether Washington has the will and means to support these strategic interests.
“The issue for Congress is whether the Administration’s strategy for competing strategically with China in the [South China and East China Seas] is appropriate and correctly resourced, and whether Congress should approve, reject, or modify the strategy, the level of resources for implementing it, or both,” the report stated. “Decisions that Congress makes on these issues could substantially affect U.S. strategic, political, and economic interests in the Indo-Pacific region and elsewhere.”
These questions are especially germane given that — for the first time since 2001 — not a single U.S. carrier strike group is currently patrolling the region.
Even though these flagship U.S. force-projection assets are expected to return to Indo-Pacific, the overstretch that the globally deployed U.S. armed forces face, compared to China’s PLA and PLA Navy, which are predominantly based in the region, is striking.
The PLAN currently fields two carrier strike groups, with a third carrier undergoing sea trials and a fourth under construction. Moreover, the four bases in the South China Sea that boast jet runways are de facto “unsinkable aircraft carriers.”
When it comes to the gray-zone assets that are prosecuting China’s strategy — predominantly Coast Guard vessels and maritime militias — the disparity is even more striking.
This lopsided strategic reality may explain high-level U.S. calls for deconfliction.
U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan recently held meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and one of his key military advisers, Gen. Zhang Youxia.
In a press conference, Mr. Sullivan admitted his talks involved “vigorous give and take” and covered “tough issues in areas of disagreement,” but said, “We believe that competition with China does not have to lead to conflict or confrontation.”
According to a White House readout, Mr. Sullivan and Gen. Zhang “… recognized the progress in sustained, regular military-military communications, as directed by President Biden and President Xi … [and] planned to hold a theater commander telephone call in the near future.”
A call between Mr. Biden and Mr. Xi is also anticipated in the coming weeks.
Even so, Mr. Sullivan admitted, “We did not reach any specific agreements” on South China Sea disputes, saying those must be negotiated between Beijing and Manila.
• Andrew Salmon can be reached at asalmon@washingtontimes.com.
Copyright © 2024 The Washington Times, LLC. Click here for reprint permission.
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12. Olympic shooter Kim Ye-ji does Louis Vuitton photo shoot with Magazine W Korea
The irony. One of the best soft power representatives of South Korea uses a weapon of hard power (a slight attempt at humor). These are some pretty cool photos at the link.
Olympic shooter Kim Ye-ji does Louis Vuitton photo shoot with Magazine W Korea
https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2024-09-01/business/industry/Olympic-shooter-Kim-Yeji-does-Louis-Vuitton-photo-shoot-with-Magazine-W-Korea/2125322
Published: 01 Sep. 2024, 17:43
Updated: 02 Sep. 2024, 14:03
- LEE JAE-LIM
- lee.jaelim@joongang.co.kr
Shooter Kim Ye-ji's photo shoot with fashion magazine W Korea [W KOREA]
Fashion Magazine W Korea unveiled famed Korean shooter Kim Ye-ji’s photo shoot with Louis Vuitton through its website and official Instagram on Saturday.
When Kim first received the offer for a photo shoot from Magazine W, she said the first asked herself, “Why me?”
Kim Ye-ji [W KOREA]
“There are other gold medalists, but why would they contact me?” she told the magazine. “Why did Elon Musk mention me? I’m still curious about that. I’ve been the same person since I started shooting in middle school.”
Related Article
Kim went viral after her remarkable performance in taking silver in the women’s 10-meter air pistol at the Paris Olympics. She became an Olympic sensation, getting listed in U.S. broadcaster NBC’s “Top 10 Stars to Watch” for the global sporting event last month.
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Kim Ye-ji [W KOREA]
Musk touted Kim on his social media platform X, replying to a post which contained a clip of Kim performing at a different sporting event, the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup held in May in Baku, Azerbaijan.
“She should be cast in an action movie,” Musk wrote. “No acting required!”
When asked about her decision to ascede to the photo shoot, Kim said that she wanted to promote herself and her sport.
Kim Ye-ji lands at Incheon International Airport on Aug. 7, receiving a warm welcome from the public after winning silver in the women’s 10-meter air pistol at the Paris Olympics [YONHAP]
“Olympic stars are put in the limelight and remembered by the public for a shorter time than one would think,” she said. “I thought that people would recognize shooting more as I show myself more in the media.”
The Olympic star wants to be remembered one of the best shooters, and aspires to be an overachiever who “goes beyond the past record or the person Kim Ye-ji I was before.”
Kim Ye-ji competes in the 25-meter women’s qualification round in Chateauroux, France on July 28. [JOINT PRESS CORPS]
Kim is currently in negotiations to appear in multiple broadcast interviews and shows, as well as to model in 20 advertisements for food, games and startups.
The shooter recently signed with agency Plfil on Aug. 19 to support her promotional activities.
Kim Ye-ji turns around after failing to making to the finals at the 25-meter women’s qualification round in Chateauroux, France on July 28. [JOINT PRESS CORPS]
Kim Ye-ji listens to her coach in the 25-meter women’s qualificaiton round in Chateauroux, France on July 28. [JOINT PRESS CORPS]
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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