The Minister of National Defense Kim Kwan-jin said on Feb. 25 that there is possibility North Korea might attack this spring considering many situation and vowed to prepare thoroughly.
In a National Assembly session on foreign, unification and security affairs, Kim said that North Korea could attack during the joint Key Resolve and Foal Eagle military drills held by South Korean and the United States forces in March.
"South Korean military has supplemented its faults after the sinking of Cheonan and the shelling of Yeonpyeong Island. We will prepare for possible [North's] attack thoroughly," said Kim. "Our troops are being trained by setting up plans in accordance with types of provocations by the North."
In response to an inquiry regarding defense measure against North Korea's surprise attack on west coast islands, the minister said that Seoul has made provisions for such provocation.
In the meantime, in response to lawmakers' opinions regarding the necessity of redeployment of U.S. tactical nuclear weapons to South Korea, Kim said that Seoul and Washington have not held any discussion related to return of U.S. tactical nuclear weapons and no discussion is being planned so far.
However, Kim said that Seoul should come up with all possible measures to deter North Korea's nuclear weapon program. "Measures to protect Korean Peninsula against the North's nuclear arms as well as its weapons of mass destruction are going to be discussed between South Korea and U.S.," Kim said.
RoK MoD
