[Unofficial Translation] 

My fellow Koreans,

Honorable members of the Armed Forces and distinguished guests,

I sincerely congratulate you on the 76th anniversary of our Armed Forces Day.

I thank the soldiers who are protecting our country and its people with thoroughness and precision, even at this very moment.

I also express my gratitude to the deployed troops who are safeguarding world peace and enhancing the status of the Republic of Korea.

Furthermore, I extend my respect and gratitude to the patriots who defended free Republic of Korea with their blood and sweat, as well as to the founding elders, veterans, and reservists.

To the military families who are giving their unwavering support to our service members,

And to the United States Forces Korea, who stand shoulder to shoulder on the front lines of the ROK-U.S. alliance, and the soldiers of the United Nations Command who are dedicated to the peace of the Republic of Korea, I extend my deepest gratitude.

Dear fellow Koreans,

This year’s Armed Forces Day holds even more special meaning.

Today, the Strategic Command, which will significantly strengthen our defense capabilities, has been established.

Our government has made the establishment of the Strategic Command a key national task to deter North Korea's nuclear and missile threats and to respond strongly to provocations.

There have been many challenges along the way.

However, based on the ever-stronger ROK-U.S. alliance and our continuous efforts, we have finally established the Strategic Command, which integrates our military’s advanced conventional capabilities with the United States’ extended deterrence capabilities.

Going forward, the Strategic Command will become a key unit that steadfastly protects the nation and its people from North Korea's nuclear and weapons of mass destruction threats.

Dear fellow Koreans,

The Republic of Korea's present has been built upon the dedication and sacrifices of our armed forces.

When the North Korean communists started the Korean War on June 25th, 1950, our military fought bravely, shedding blood to protect the free Republic of Korea.

Even now, they stand firm against the constant threats and provocations from North Korea, carrying out the important mission of safeguarding the nation and its people.

In times of national disasters and crises, they lead the way in protecting the lives and safety of our fellow Koreans.

The passionate patriotism and loyalty of our armed forces have become the solid foundation for the freedom and prosperity we enjoy today.

Everyone, please give a big round of applause to the men and women of our armed forces.

Valued members of our armed forces,

During the Korean War, our military fought with virtually no modern weaponry. Today, we stand as a global leader in defense technology, having independently developed cutting-edge fighter jets, reconnaissance satellites, and high-precision missiles. We also build state-of-the-art warships and submarines.

Our tanks, self-propelled artillery, and air defense systems are now renowned worldwide, having been exported to nations across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. These achievements have shown the prowess of our defense industry.

K-Defense Industry has now become a 'national strategic industry' that robustly supports both national security and the economy.

The dedication of our soldiers to world peace is also remarkable.

They contribute to common prosperity by engaging in peacekeeping and reconstruction activities around the globe.

The efforts of our military play a significant role in helping the Republic of Korea emerge as a pivotal global state.

Fellow Koreans and service members of our armed forces,

We have walked the path of freedom and prosperity and the path towards world peace. However, the North Korean regime continues to insist on a path of regression and downfall.

They pursue only hereditary power succession, turning a blind eye to the miserable lives of their people, and threatening us with nuclear weapons and missiles.

After committing despicable types of provocations like sending trash balloons and GPS jamming attacks, they have now gone so far as to claim a "two hostile states" theory, even denying the possibility of reunification.

Furthermore, by engaging in illegal arms deals with Russia, North Korea is defying international norms and threatening peace on the Korean Peninsula and globally.

Our military will immediately retaliate against North Korea’s provocations based on its robust combat capabilities and solid readiness posture.

If North Korea attempts to use nuclear weapons, it will face the resolute and overwhelming response of our military and the ROK-U.S. alliance.

That day will be the end of the North Korean regime.

The North Korean regime must abandon the delusion that nuclear weapons will protect them.

Dear fellow Koreans,

Since the Washington Declaration in April last year, the ROK-U.S. alliance has been upgraded to a true nuclear-based alliance.

Through the ROK-U.S. Nuclear Consultative Group (NCG), we are building a fully integrated extended deterrence between our two nations.

For the first time in over 40 years, a U.S. strategic nuclear submarine has visited the Republic of Korea, and a B-52 strategic bomber has landed on the Korean Peninsula for the first time.

The United States' strong commitment to extended deterrence is being realized through action.

Our government, based on the solid ROK-U.S. alliance, will further strengthen security cooperation between the Republic of Korea, the United States, and Japan and closely align with the international community to solidify our security posture even more firmly.

Fellow Koreans and service members of our armed forces,

With Russia's invasion of Ukraine ongoing and the situation in the Middle East deteriorating, the global security environment is rapidly changing.

In this context, to become an even stronger military, we must achieve defense innovation based on advanced science and technology.

In May of last year, the government launched the Presidential Defense Innovation Committee to significantly enhance our capabilities to respond to North Korean threats.

We will further strengthen the field of defense research and development to lead future battlefields in areas such as AI-based unmanned and manned hybrid systems, space, cyber, and electronic warfare.

Additionally, we will drastically shorten the procedures for developing and acquiring weapon systems.

Building a strong military begins with the morale of our soldiers.

We will continue to improve all aspects of their working environment, including food, clothing, shelter, and medical systems, so that soldiers can take pride in their service and focus on their duties.

We will ensure that their dedication to the nation is treated fairly, so they can wear their uniforms with pride.

Our military also has a part to play.

Young soldiers must develop a firm sense of patriotism and understanding of the enemy.

Please do your best to ensure that soldiers unite with a strong spirit and camaraderie and are trained through realistic education.

Respected fellow Koreans, proud service members of our armed forces, and distinguished guests,

False peace, based on the enemy’s goodwill, is nothing but a mirage.

History has proven that the only way to safeguard peace is by strengthening our power so the enemy cannot dare challenge us.

Strong security and a powerful military are built together with the people.

Please continue to give your unwavering support to ensure our military can dedicate itself to the nation without hesitation.

As the Commander-in-Chief, I trust our men and women of our forces wholeheartedly.

Once again, I congratulate you on Armed Forces Day and wish you abundant glory and blessings in your future endeavors.

Thank you.