South Korea’s highest-ranking military officer has called for “overwhelming” readiness in response to growing threats from North Korea, following Pyongyang’s latest ballistic missile launches into the East Sea.
Admiral Kim Myung-soo, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), delivered the stark warning during a visit to the Air Force’s 20th Fighter Wing in Seosan, approximately 98 kilometres southwest of the capital. The visit came just hours after North Korea fired multiple short-range ballistic missiles into surrounding waters.
“While recognising evolving enemy threats through the Russia-Ukraine war, you must maintain readiness to overwhelmingly punish any enemy provocation,” Admiral Kim stated, as he was briefed on the unit’s operations.
His remarks reflect increasing concern over North Korea’s deepening military relationship with Russia. Pyongyang is believed to have deployed troops to support Moscow’s ongoing war in Ukraine, potentially receiving advanced weapons technology and training in return, as well as gaining vital exposure to modern combat tactics.
The timing of Admiral Kim’s visit also coincides with recent internal scrutiny of South Korea’s Air Force. The branch has been under pressure following two high-profile operational failures: the accidental bombing of a civilian area during a fighter jet drill in March, and a separate incident involving the mistaken mid-air release of aircraft equipment last month. Both events have been attributed to pilot error.
In light of these incidents, the military has launched internal reviews into discipline and operational protocols, with questions mounting over the Air Force’s broader readiness.
Admiral Kim’s message was direct: the current security climate demands discipline, focus, and the ability to respond to threats with decisive force.
