Yoon vows to complete 'enhanced extended deterrence' against North in first half of 2024

President Yoon Suk Yeol also emphasized the importance of dismantling these interest group cartels that have exploited government subsidies and monopolized specific industries to ensure fair opportunities.

President Yoon Suk Yeol delivers his New Year's message at the president's office in Yongsan on Monday. [PRESIDENTIAL OFFICE]

President Yoon Suk Yeol vowed in his New Year's address on Monday to complete an "enhanced system of Korea-U.S. extended deterrence” against North Korean nuclear and missile threats in the first half of this year.

Yoon outlined the South Korean military's plans for the year, emphasizing the acceleration of the “3K Defense System,” which comprises the “Kill Chain” for pre-emptive strikes on attack sources, the “Korea Air and Missile Defense” (KAMD) to intercept incoming missiles, and the “Korea Massive Punishment and Retaliation” (KMPR) aimed at neutralizing enemy leadership and military facilities.

“Korea is firmly building a genuine and lasting peace,” Yoon said. “Korea will build peace through strength. It will not be a submissive peace dependent on the adversary's goodwill.”

“Strong security will underpin free economic activities,” he added. “It will allow the people to carry out their daily lives without fear.”

Yoon highlighted South Korea's accomplishments in strengthening national security the previous year, including launching the Nuclear Consultative Group (NCG) and establishing a nuclear-based military alliance with the United States, forging a more central role for the South Korean military.

He also emphasized the trilateral cooperation established among South Korea, Japan and the United States, a consensus reached during the meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and U.S. President Joe Biden at Camp David last summer.

Since that meeting, the three nations have intensified real-time security information sharing, particularly concerning North Korean missile launches, including the recent firing of a solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile last month.

“We are now at the forefront of promoting peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region,” Yoon said. “The Korean government will continue to realize our vision of a global pivotal state that fulfills its responsibility and contributes to the international community.”

Yoon outlined plans this year for the South Korean military to bolster its capabilities by implementing cutting-edge science and technology, including AI and integrating manned-unmanned systems.

“Moreover, we will build a cybersecurity environment that the people can trust,” Yoon said. “Major national institutions and civilian critical infrastructure will be thoroughly protected from cyber threats, including those from North Korea.”

Yoon's New Year's message comes in response to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's recent threats.

Kim said there would be no peace between the two Koreas, labeling them as “two hostile countries in a state of war” during the final day of the weeklong plenary meeting of the Central Committee of the Workers’ Party.

He added that discussing reunification with a “colonial pawn of the United States” was no longer appropriate.

The North Korean leader escalated his hostility against South Korea by instructing his military to prepare for war.

In Monday's address, Yoon also reiterated his commitment to ongoing reforms, specifically targeting corrupt cartels motivated by self-interest and ideologies.

He emphasized the importance of dismantling these interest group cartels that have exploited government subsidies and monopolized specific industries to ensure fair opportunities.

“We will persist in our efforts this year to expand your freedom, improve welfare and create a fair society,” Yoon said.

He said genuine reform for the people is impossible without addressing corrupt syndicate cartels.

Yoon underscored the importance of ongoing labor, education, and pension reforms initiated last year as crucial for sustainable economic growth.

“At a time when the growth potential continues to decline due to a low birthrate, we must implement structural reforms to enhance the overall productivity of our society. Only then can we revitalize our livelihoods and sustain economic growth,” he said.

Yoon declared that this year would be a major turning point for the Korean economy.

“I did my best to improve your welfare and tried hard to turn the economy around. It saddens me that these efforts were not enough. Yet, even in such difficult times, you — the people — have vigorously pulled through,” he said.

Yoon predicted that Korea's exports would drive economic recovery and growth, with global trade expected to pick up this year.

According to the Korean Trade Ministry, although exports contracted 7.8 percent to $630 billion in 2023, December witnessed a 5.1 percent year-on-year growth.

Exports have been increasing year-on-year for three consecutive months, a sign of recovery.

“Prices will become more stable,” Yoon said. “The government will do its best to ensure that the warmth of the economic recovery is felt by those who are vulnerable and socially disadvantaged.”

President Yoon emphasized that his government's policies focus on the people.

“My government will be an 'action-oriented, problem-solving government,'” he said.

In his first official duty of the New Year, the president visited the Seoul National Cemetery alongside 40 key cabinet members, including Prime Minister Han Duck-soo.

In the visitor's log, President Yoon wrote that he would entirely focus on reviving the economy for the people.

BY LEE HO-JEONG [lee.hojeong@joongang.co.kr]