The Defense Ministry said that Kim, who visited the troops under the First Corps at the western border between the two Koreas, inspected their training in light of the current heightened tension at the border due to North Korea's continued threats of attacking the South.
"Even if the plans are immaculate, you can't have those if you don't have actions to meet them. Training is a must in this matter," said Kim. "Act first and report later if we are provoked by the enemy."
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| South Korea's Defense Minister Kim Kwan-jin, at right, inspects troops on Mar. 1 at an artillery unit under the First Corps on the western border between the two Koreas. |
Kim had arrived at the bunker of the First Corps and received a briefing on the movement of North Korean troops across the border and South Korea troops' preparedness before going on to inspect an artillery unit nearby that uses a multiple-launch rocket system.
The South Korean military has increased its guard against North Korea after Pyongyang last week sent a stream of statements threatening to engage in a "full-scale war" and turn Seoul into a "sea of fire."
North Korea sent the statements in protest against the joint military drill between Seoul and Washington currently being carried out, as well as the psychological warfare the South has been engaged in, sending leaflets and daily necessities across the border.
"Slightest movements from the North were being tracked but no particular movements have been spotted so far," said Lt. Gen. Choi Jong-il, the commander of the corps. "We have an around-the-clock preparation system in order to respond out of self-defense if the North provokes."
The commander also said that the South Korean military would attack the source of fire should the North decide to act on its word and fire at the Imjin Pavilion.
RoK MoD