While prioritizing dialogue and reconciliation with the North, President Moon is also firm on being prepared to respond to possible threats.
Speaking at the Korea Military Academy graduation ceremony, President Moon emphasized... the importance of building a strong armed forces.
Oh Jung-hee tells us more.
Dialogue with North Korea is a must for peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula,... but, developing stronger capabilities to stand up against the North Korean threat is also crucial.
That's what South Korean President Moon Jae-in stressed... at a graduation ceremony at the Korea Military Academy on Tuesday -- just a day after Seoul's special envoys... met with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in Pyongyang.

"In order to achieve denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula, we must talk to North Korea. At the same time, however, we should make all out efforts to quickly and effectively build the capacity to counter North Korea's nuclear and missile program.

That... is the defense reform South Korea's military authorities hope to achieve by 2022.
Considering the security environment on the Korean Peninsula, as well as the decreasing population of South Korea,... Seoul's military plans to reshuffle its military structure and adopt cutting-edge weapons systems to maximize combat efficiency.
Constructing a three-pillar defense system that monitors movements in North Korea,... and detects and destroys incoming missiles from Pyongyang... is also a part of the reforms.

"Our new task is to develop systems, personnel and new defense strategies in accordance with the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Defense reform is a national obligation that can't be delayed any further in this grave security situation."

The South Korean leader also promised to further strengthen the Seoul-Washington combined defense readiness posture... as well as earn support from the international community... to pursue peace on the Korean Peninsula.
Oh Jung-hee, Arirang News.