“Minister Ahn Vows to Rebuild a People’s Military Without Hesitation”

Minister Ahn Gyu-back chairs the National Commanders ' Conference for the second half of the year.

Assesses the current security environment as a 'test of survival' for the military.

Presents three core priorities for establishing an advanced, combat-ready force.

Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back delivers opening remarks at the National Commanders' Conference on Dec. 3.

Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back declared that egoism and entrenched routines have no place among the military branches in forging a true people's military that is advanced and trusted by the nation. He stressed the imperative of mission-driven responsibility for all ranks and said he would stand with commanders and troops at the forefront of every challenge, moving forward on the path of reform without pause or doubt.

On December 3, marking the first anniversary of the Revolution of Light, Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back opened the second half of the 2025 National Commanders' Conference by expressing deep gratitude to soldiers, commanders, and leaders of national security institutions for their unwavering dedication.

In his opening address, Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back declared, "The security landscape our military faces is nothing less than a survival test, far beyond what the term 'grave' can convey."

Minister Ahn explained, "North Korea has steadily advanced its nuclear and missile capabilities while pursuing measures to sever ties with South Korea under its 'hostile two-state theory.' Meanwhile, the Indo-Pacific region has emerged as the epicenter of US-China strategic rivalry, with rapid advancements in cutting-edge science and technology, shifts in warfare paradigms, and a sharp decline in troop resources fundamentally challenging our military's operational concepts and combat methods."

Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back emphasized, "We must squarely face and tackle this severe reality as the foundation for building an advanced, robust military that earns the public's trust." He followed with three pivotal directives.

First, we must reestablish our future joint operations concept and combat methods, optimizing and integrating troops, units, and combat capabilities under the tentatively named '2040 Military Restructuring' plan. Minister Ahn stressed, "Given the anticipated population cliff, future military restructuring is an urgent survival imperative that can no longer be delayed. We must establish artificial intelligence (AI)-based manned-unmanned collaborative combat systems (MUM-CCS) and thoroughly realign our military structure to optimize troop utilization."

Second, we must achieve the transition of wartime operational control (OPCON) within the term of the People's Sovereign Government. Minister Ahn asserted, "The transition of wartime OPCON signifies a stronger Republic of Korea, which in turn will forge a more robust ROK-US Alliance. This OPCON transition will serve as the driving force and cornerstone for peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region, extending far beyond independent defense."

Third, we must build a military that instills strong pride in its soldiers, one they are eager to join and never wish to leave. Soldiers undertake the sacred duty of sacrificing their lives to defend the fatherland. Minister Ahn emphasized, "Amid this paradigm shift, we must establish entirely new compensation and welfare systems distinct from the current ones." He pledged, "A military in which soldiers willingly devote their youth, enthusiasm, and lives through substantial improvements in compensation and welfare."

By Byeong-No, Yun <[email protected] >

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