Act without Political Consideration, Park Instructs Military

President Park Geun Hye has forcefully reaffirmed South Korea’s resolve to respond should North Korea do anything that could endanger South Korea or South Korean lives.

“The reason why the military exists is to protect the country and people from threats. If any provocations happen to our people and our country, it should respond powerfully in the early stage without any political consideration,” Park told a policy briefing at the Ministry of National Defense earlier today.

“After both the Cheonan and Yeonpyeong Island provocations and the nuclear test, recently they abrogated the armistice agreement and cut the inter-Korean communications line, then finally entered a state of war” she pointed out. “I take North Korea’s current threats very seriously.”

“As commander-in-chief of the armed forces, I will trust the military’s judgment on abrupt and surprise provocations by North Korea, as it is the one that directly faces off against them,” she added. “Please carry out your duty of guarding the safety of the people without the slightest distraction.”