Quotes of the Day:

"War should be carried on like a monsoon; one changeless determination of every particle towards the one unalterable aim." 

– Herman Melville

"Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passions, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence." 

– John Adams

"Sometimes the first duty of intelligent men is the restatement of the obvious." 

– George Orwell

1. Yoon calls for bolstering readiness against N. Korea's 'gray zone' provocations

2. Yoon pursues peaceful unification with N. Korea, not through military aggression: office

3. Yoon stresses decisive strength as S. Korea, US kick off annual military drills

4. Message to North Korea to be Contained in Apache Flight on Armed Forces Day

5. Kyiv repels Russian aerial attack, North Korean ballistic weapons used in strike, city authorities say

6. Gov't, civic groups, defectors unite for unification of 2 Koreas, global peace

7. The Next Step for Japan-South Korea-US Security Cooperation: An Alternative to the UN Panel of Experts

8. What the US Forces Japan Reorganization Means for South Korea

9. North Korea spurns foreign aid, burdens citizens for flood recovery

10. Irony: N. Korean smugglers needed to fix anti-smuggling fences

11. Yoon urges readiness for NK's 'hybrid warfare'

12. S. Korea's defense exports set to surpass $20 bn this year

13. Poland bolsters defense with South Korean arms

14. Yoon Suk-yeol: North Korea may exploit internal divisions to incite chaos

15.  Leaders of ruling, main opposition parties to hold their 1st official talks Sunday

16. New South Korean National Security Team Has Close Ties to Pyongyang

1. Yoon calls for bolstering readiness against N. Korea's 'gray zone' provocations

north Korea and the Kim family regime have been masters of the gray zone since long before we discerned that phrase.

Yoon calls for bolstering readiness against N. Korea's 'gray zone' provocations | Yonhap News Agency

en.yna.co.kr · by Kim Eun-jung · August 19, 2024

By Kim Eun-jung

SEOUL, Aug. 19 (Yonhap) -- President Yoon Suk Yeol called for bolstering readiness against North Korea's "gray zone" provocations and hybrid warfare as South Korea and the United States kicked off their annual joint exercise on Monday.

Yoon said during a Cabinet meeting that this year's Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise will focus on integrating the allies' capabilities under various crisis scenarios to deter North Korea's evolving military threats, psychological warfare and cyberattacks.

"We must strengthen our readiness to respond to North Korea's gray-zone provocations, such as the spread of false information, fake news and cyberattacks," Yoon said. "Anti-state forces that threaten the free democracy are operating covertly in various places."

President Yoon Suk Yeol speaks during a Cabinet meeting at the presidential office in Seoul on Aug. 19, 2024, on the first day of the Ulchi Freedom Exercise, an annual joint military exercise between South Korea and the United States. (Yonhap)

Yoon warned that the North might seek to create social instability through violence, propaganda and agitation at the early stages of a conflict.

"We must actively seek methods to block division and raise people's resolve to resist," Yoon said. "To maintain national security and raise our war preparedness, we must firmly protect transportation, communication, water, social infrastructure, and critical national facilities."

The Ulchi Freedom Shield, set to run until Aug. 29, features computer-simulated war games and field training, while the Seoul government conducts civil defense drills from Monday through Thursday.

Seoul and Washington have said their drills are defensive in nature, but Pyongyang has long denounced the allies' joint exercises as a rehearsal for an invasion against it and has a track record of staging weapons tests in response.

On Sunday, the Institute for American Studies of the North Korean foreign ministry condemned the Ulchi exercise as the "most offensive and provocative war drills for aggression."

Tension remain high as the North has flown thousands of balloons loaded with trash across the border in a tit-for-tat move against South Korean civic groups' sending of balloons carrying anti-Pyongyang propaganda leaflets into the North.

ejkim@yna.co.kr

(END)

en.yna.co.kr · by Kim Eun-jung · August 19, 2024

2. Yoon pursues peaceful unification with N. Korea, not through military aggression: office

We cannot emphasize these two different visions enough:

"If more North Koreans come to recognize that unification through freedom is the only way to improve their lives... they will emerge as strong allies for a freedom-oriented unification."

– President Yoon Suk Yeol, August 15, 2024

“The party’s comprehensive conclusion after reviewing decades-long inter-Korean relations is that reunification can never be achieved with those ROK riffraffs that defined the ‘unification by absorption’ and ‘unification under liberal democracy’ as their state policy. That is in sharp contradiction with what our line of national reunification was: one nation [minjok], one state with two systems. Reunification is realistically 'impossible' and the two Koreas are separate 'belligerent states' at war."

– Kim Jong Un, January 1, 2024

Yoon pursues peaceful unification with N. Korea, not through military aggression: office | Yonhap News Agency

en.yna.co.kr · by Kim Eun-jung · August 19, 2024

By Kim Eun-jung

SEOUL, Aug. 19 (Yonhap) -- President Yoon Suk Yeol's unification vision aims to achieve peaceful unification with North Korea in line with the principles of the Constitution, without resorting to military aggression, his office said Monday.

During a Cabinet meeting, Yoon elaborated on the freedom-based "unification doctrine" he introduced in his Liberation Day address last week, which updates the unification vision unveiled under the Kim Young-sam administration in 1994, a senior presidential official said.

"The unification doctrine is not a new concept but is based on the Constitution," the official quoted Yoon as saying. "Even if unification is led and guided by liberal democracy, (the president) emphasized that it will never be achieved through military aggression or any means that disrupt peace."

President Yoon Suk Yeol (3rd from L) speaks during a Cabinet meeting held at the presidential office in Seoul on Aug. 19, 2024, in this photo provided by his office. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

Article 3 of the Constitution stipulates that the territory of the Republic of Korea includes the Korean Peninsula and its adjacent islands, while Article 4 mandates that the country pursue unification and establish a peaceful unification policy based on the principles of liberal democracy.

Yoon underscored the need to pursue unification based on the Constitution to achieve "national unity," saying past strategies driven by political ideologies have been ineffective, according to the official.

The new doctrine focuses on increasing North Koreans' access to external information and proposes establishing an official dialogue channel between the two Koreas to discuss various issues.

So far, North Korea has not responded to Yoon's offer for talks.

The presidential office has launched a task force to push for unification projects, including activities and education programs to raise awareness of North Korea's human rights situation and the launch of a fund to support nongovernment activities.

ejkim@yna.co.kr

(END)

en.yna.co.kr · by Kim Eun-jung · August 19, 2024

3. Yoon stresses decisive strength as S. Korea, US kick off annual military drills

It is strong deterrence and defense which provides the freedom of action to pursue a free and unified Korea.

As long as the Kim family regime sustained its hostile policy toward the South, the ROK and the alliance must sustain the strongest possible deterrence and defense capability and that requires continued training and readiness exercises.

Yoon stresses decisive strength as S. Korea, US kick off annual military drills

The Korea Times · August 19, 2024

President Yoon Suk Yeol and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo arrive for a Cabinet meeting at the presidential office in Yongsan District, Seoul, Monday. Yonhap

Pyongyang slams joint drills as invasion rehearsal

By Lee Hyo-jin

President Yoon Suk Yeol stressed the need to defend the nation's freedom and prosperity through decisive strength rather than words, as South Korean and U.S. troops commenced the annual Ulchi Freedom Shield (UFS) exercise, Monday.

Speaking during an Ulchi National Security Council (NSC) meeting in the morning, Yoon stated that the country "must be prepared to respond forcefully to any provocation from North Korea and that we must firmly protect our freedom and prosperity with decisive strength, not just words," according to the presidential office.

Highlighting North Korea’s ongoing threat due to its advancing nuclear capabilities and recent trash-filled balloon launches toward the South, Yoon strongly emphasized that the UFS drills should be utilized to thoroughly evaluate the nation's defense posture and demonstrate the strength of the enduring South Korea-U.S. alliance.

Ulchi Freedom Shield is a 10-day exercise running through Aug. 29 and consisting of two parts. The first part, from Monday to Friday, involves both the military and government, while the second part, from Aug. 26 to 29, is a military exercise only.

The military exercise will include major combined drills with the United States, focusing on an all-out war scenario and featuring a computer simulation-based command post exercise alongside concurrent field training.

In a Cabinet meeting held shortly after the NSC session, Yoon reiterated that the North Korean regime remains fixated on developing nuclear weapons and missiles, despite the dire living conditions of its people.

"Recently, they have not hesitated to engage in unconventional provocations such as GPS jamming attacks and the release of trash-filled balloons. As we have seen in the war in Ukraine and the conflicts in the Middle East, war can break out at any time," he said.

UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters are seen at U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, Sunday.

Yoon also warned that, in the early stages of a conflict, North Korea might mobilize "anti-state forces" within South Korean society to incite unrest and create public confusion through its propaganda tactics.

"We must actively seek ways to prevent such confusion and division and to raise the will of the entire population to resist," he stated.

For the first time, the government-led Ulchi civil defense drill will simulate a North Korean nuclear attack, although the South Korea-U.S. joint military exercise will not include such a scenario, according to military officials. As part of UFS, a nationwide civil defense evacuation drill is planned for Thursday.

According to the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), this year's military exercise will be similar in scale to the previous year, involving around 19,000 South Korean troops and some member states of the United Nations Command.

In addition, there will be a notable increase in field training exercises (FTX), with 48 events planned, including amphibious landings and live-fire drills, up from 38 last year. The number of brigade-level exercises will also increase to 17, compared to just four last year.

U.S. strategic assets may be deployed during joint military drills in a demonstration of the South Korea-U.S. military alliance. The U.S. military has not confirmed whether the drills will involve any of its strategic assets, but during last year's event, several U.S. B-1B strategic bombers were deployed for a combined aerial exercise with South Korean FA-50 fighters.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un gives a speech during his visit to flood-affected regions in North Pyongan Province in this photo carried by the North's state media Korean Central News Agency, Friday. Yonhap

Pyongyang, which has reacted angrily to past UFS exercises, issued a similar response to this year's event.

In a statement carried by Rodong Sinmun (a North Korean newspaper), Monday, the Institute for American Studies of the North Korean foreign ministry condemned the Ulchi exercise as a "rehearsal for invasion" and the "most offensive war drills in the region."

"We will continue to make efforts to bolster strong defense capabilities for credibly defending our state sovereignty, security, interests and territorial integrity and change the security environment of the Korean Peninsula and the region in our favor," the statement read.

Observers suggest that North Korea may stage military provocations in the coming days in response to the exercise. During last year’s UFS, the reclusive regime fired several ballistic missiles, which it claimed as a tactical nuclear strike drill simulating "scorched-earth" strikes against major command centers in South Korea.

"As mentioned the statement released by Rodong Sinmun, the North may showcase their 'defense capabilities' in response to our exercise," said Yang Moo-jin, president at the University of North Korean Studies. "But given that the regime appears to be grappling with flood rehabilitation efforts, the provocations may be limited to short-range missile launches, rather than long-range ones."

The Korea Times · August 19, 2024

4. Message to North Korea to be Contained in Apache Flight on Armed Forces Day

This is a Google translation.

Thanks to RFA for transmitting this message to the Korean people in the north and in particular, the regime.

Message to North Korea to be Contained in Apache Flight on Armed Forces Day

https://www.rfa.org/korean/weekly_program/c2e0bc15d55cd55cbc18b3c4c2e0bb34ae30b300bc31acfc/armencyclopedia-08172024003718.html

WASHINGTON-Kim Jin-guk kimj@rfa.org

2024.08.18

South Korean Army AH-64E Apache Guardian attack helicopter firing 30mm machine gun

 (Source - Army)

( Host ) We will accurately grasp the current state of the military standoff on the Korean Peninsula and seek a path to peace . This is Kim Jin-guk hosting ' Encyclopedia of New Weapons on the Korean Peninsula' from Washington D.C. We will connect with Lee Il-woo, Secretary General of the ' Independent Defense Network ' of Korea .  

 Why were Apache and Black Hawk helicopters deployed in the middle of Seoul ?

( Anchor ) On August 14th , the day before Liberation Day , a large number of helicopters appeared in the middle of Seoul, the capital of South Korea, and performed low-altitude flights, surprising many citizens, according to reports . What was the identity of the helicopters that appeared in Gwanghwamun, the heart of Seoul, and why did they appear ?

4E Apache Guardian Attack Helicopter (Source - X)

( Lee Il-woo ) On the afternoon of August 14th , which  was a weekday , the Jongno-gu area in central Seoul became noisy . This densely populated area with major government facilities has been designated as a no-fly zone , so helicopters are rarely seen flying over the area on a regular basis . However, citizens were surprised when a large number of helicopters appeared in the sky above the area .

The helicopters that appeared this time were helicopters belonging to the Republic of Korea Army Aviation Operations Command , and their official designations were AH-64E Apache Guardian and UH-60P Black Hawk . They formed a large formation and circled the area around Gwanghwamun , Namdaemun , Namsan , and Gyeongbokgung Palace, flying at such a low altitude that they appeared as if they would collide with the nearby high-rise buildings .

These helicopters flew along the Han River, turned over Nodeul Island in Yongsan-gu, which is located south of Gwanghwamun Square, and flew along Hangang-daero, past the presidential office and Seoul Station, and down Sejong-daero to the Gyeongbokgung Palace area . It was a very rare sight for helicopters to appear in this area, so quite a few citizens were surprised .

In fact, before this flight, the South Korean Ministry of National Defense, in cooperation with the Seoul Metropolitan Government, informed citizens in the form of a disaster warning text message that there would be a low-altitude helicopter flight . This flight was a practice flight in preparation for the 76th anniversary parade of the founding of the Armed Forces held over Jongno on October 1st , and several more flights are scheduled to be conducted in the future .

 New ' Apache Guardian ' model to appear on Armed Forces Day 

( Host )  Aren't cutting-edge weapons mainly introduced at Armed Forces Day events ? The Apache attack helicopter appeared in the 1970s and was used a lot in old wars like the Gulf War . Is there a reason why such an old weapon was introduced at an Armed Forces Day event ? 

( Lee Il-woo ) The ROK military has been using the AH-1 Cobra attack helicopter for a long time . The Cobra helicopter, which first appeared in the Vietnam War , was produced until 1988 after undergoing improvements . The Cobra introduced by the ROK military was the last production unit , and at this time, the US military was already introducing Apache helicopters . The Apache first flew in 1975 and was produced from 1983 , so it is a weapon that has been on the market for half a century, including the time when the prototype appeared .

Since it is a very old model, it has a lot of combat experience . The Apache helicopter made its combat debut in 1989 as a fire support unit that provided powerful firepower to lightly armed airborne troops deployed to capture Panamanian dictator Noriega during the Panama invasion operation . At that time, it utilized its excellent night operation capability to rain down machine guns and rockets in the pitch-black darkness , which terrified Noriega's soldiers at the time .

In the 1991 Gulf War, they played an active role as front-line attackers . Unlike fighters that were detected by radar , Apache helicopters flew low into the blind spot of Iraqi air defense radar and played a huge role in destroying the air defense network with Hellfire missiles and rockets .

Apache helicopters also participated as part of NATO forces during the Yugoslav Civil War and the Kosovo Civil War in Europe , and during the War on Terror, they were deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, serving as the most reliable means of fire support for ground forces .

If you look at the combat records of the Apache, it seems like a very old model , but it is no exaggeration to say that the Apaches deployed in the 1980s and 1990s and the Apaches currently in production are virtually different models due to many changes . The first Apache to appear was the AH-64A Apache , the variant that underwent major performance improvements starting in 1995 was called the AH-64D Longbow Apache , and the improved AH-64E Apache Guardian that appeared in 2012 each have different names .

Early Apaches monitored the front and aimed at targets with a targeting acquisition device called TADS on the front of the helicopter , but starting with the Longbow Apache, a new device called the Longbow Radar was installed on the top of the helicopter rotor blades , and its electronic equipment was also greatly improved . This Longbow Radar is a high-performance radar with a resolution high enough to identify the target's vehicle type , and has the ability to detect 1,000 objects within a range of 8 km , identify 128 of them , and aim at 16 of them simultaneously, earning it the nickname of "ground forces' early warning aircraft . "

South Korean Army AH-64E Apache Guardian attack helicopter launches Hellfire missile (Source - Army) 

The Apache Guardian , which appeared in 2012 , is the model currently held by the ROK military, and is the latest model in which everything from the engine to the sensors has been changed . It is equipped with a new engine and rotor blades with significantly enhanced output, increasing both mobility and payload , and the radar performance has been improved, enhancing the ability to detect , identify , and track not only ground targets but also small targets at sea . The flight system has also been improved, enhancing the ultra-low-altitude penetration flight capability , and the use of composite materials has further enhanced bulletproof performance .

Because of its outstanding performance, the U.S. Army is procuring 690 new and improved helicopters , and orders are continuing from countries around the world, including Poland, which recently purchased 96 helicopters . In other words, although it inherited the name Apache , the South Korean Apache Guardian is a completely different model from the Apache that flew in the Gulf War 30 years ago .

Data link connection to serve as an aerial command aircraft

( Host )  It's been a little over 10 years since the Korean military introduced the Apache Guardian attack helicopter , but I heard that a performance improvement project is already underway . It was the latest version at the time of introduction , but how will the Korean military's Apaches change through the improvement project currently underway ? 

( Lee Il-woo )  In 2018 , the U.S. Army decided to further improve the Apache Guardian, which already boasts world-class performance , and named the improved model the AH-64E V6 . The existing Apache Guardian had overwhelming performance over competing models such as the European Tiger , Russia's Havoc or Alligator , and China's Z-10 , but the U.S. Army demanded an attack helicopter with even more powerful performance .

The AH-64E V6 model currently in production has replaced the existing Longbow radar, which was a mechanical radar, with an active electronically scanned array radar , or AESA radar, which uses advanced semiconductors , more than doubling the detection range .

South Korean Army AH-64E Apache Guardian attack helicopter (Source - Defense Media Agency)

This model can use the latest Hellfire, the AGM-114R Hellfire 2 , in addition to the existing older Hellfire missiles . The Hellfire 2 is a multi-purpose missile that can attack tanks and armored vehicles as well as positions and bunkers at a range of 8 km . It can penetrate 1.4 m of armor plate, so it can destroy any existing tank with a single hit . The Apache Guardian can carry up to 16 of these missiles at a time .

It can also fire 70mm rockets, called APKWS II, or Baby Hellfire , and the previously introduced Bigung rockets can also be mounted with simple modifications . These rockets are mounted in rocket pods that can hold 19 missiles , and since the Apache Guardian can be equipped with four of these pods , it can hold up to 76 missiles .

Equipped with a new tactical data link system, the Apache Guardian can transmit target information detected by its radar to other helicopters or ground forces' armored vehicles , and conversely, it can also receive target information detected by other equipment via the data link and use it to attack them .

With this performance improvement project completed, the South Korean Apache will have its detection , tracking, and attack capabilities dramatically enhanced. The Apache Guardian will be powerful in its own right , but it is also expected to play a significant role as an aerial command aircraft that conducts joint operations with South Korean light armed helicopters via data link .

Mach 1.4 Hellfires are fired in rapid succession and North Korean troops are helpless when tricked with black holes.

( Host )  You introduced that the South Korean military's Apache has been transformed into an extremely powerful attack helicopter through performance improvements. If war breaks out on the Korean Peninsula and Apaches are deployed, what kind of situation will the North Korean military facing the Apaches face ?

( Lee Il-woo )  At the beginning of the war, the South Korean military's Apache Guardian helicopters will be mainly deployed to hunt down North Korean small speedboats or hovercraft that may infiltrate the West Sea . They may use Hellfire missiles , but they will likely utilize the much cheaper Bigung guided rockets . One Apache Guardian can carry 76 Bigungs , and each Bigung is a weapon that automatically finds its target when aimed and fired , so deploying just four Apache Guardians around the Northern Limit Line will be able to respond to over 300 North Korean small ships simultaneously .

The Apache Guardian will shine even more in offensive operations . The North Korean military's main air defense weapon, the infantry-portable surface-to-air missile 'Hwasong', has a range of about 5 to 7 km , and the anti-aircraft guns of various calibers carried by divisions and regiments have a range of about 2 to 3 km . This means that the Apache Guardian can unilaterally attack from far beyond the range of North Korean air defense weapons .

If the South Korean military launches a counteroffensive northward, they will have to deal with North Korean armored units in the Hwanghaebuk-do region , such as the 123rd Armored Tank Division , the 815th Mechanized Division , and the 806th Mechanized Division , and they will have to defeat the North Korean elite Guards Seoul Ryu Kyong-su 105th Tank Division behind them before they can enter Pyongyang .

The 105th Tank Division has 4 brigades of 120 tanks each, so it has 480 tanks , but the rest of the mechanized divisions have 1 or 2 tank brigades each , so they have 120 to 240 tanks . It may seem like a huge number , but any unit would be reduced to scrap metal if the Korean Apache Guardians showed up .

Target area devastated after a salvo of fire from South Korean Army AH-64E Apache Guardian attack helicopters (Source: Army)

It is unlikely that all 36 Apache Guardians in South Korea will be mobilized at the same time , but if they were , it would mean that they would be able to fire 576 Hellfire 2 missiles . This means that just one Hellfire salvo from the Apache Guardians would be enough to instantly wipe out all the tanks of the North Korean elite 105th Tank Division or two other mechanized divisions . The Hellfire is a small missile and is so fast, traveling at Mach 1.3 , that it is invisible to the naked eye . In other words, the North Korean tanks would be destroyed without even knowing that they were hit .

Once the tanks and anti-aircraft guns are destroyed first , they will be armed with 30mm machine guns and rockets and hunt by flying over the heads of the North Korean troops . The 30mm machine gun, as proven in the Gulf War, is a powerful weapon that can destroy tanks in one shot , and even if the Apache Guardian flies around firing these weapons , the North Korean military has no way to shoot them down . Rifles, heavy machine guns , and even 23mm machine guns cannot penetrate the Apache's armor , and even if they try to fire infrared guided missiles, it is difficult to aim them with older missiles due to the Apache Guardian's black hole, an exhaust gas cooling system . In addition, the Apache is equipped with a defense device called DIRCM , which deceives the sensor part of an incoming infrared guided missile and makes it fly in the wrong direction .

Just as Apaches were a terrifying force to enemies in past wars , South Korea's Apache Guardians that will be deployed on the Korean Peninsula will also be terrifying to North Korea . South Korea's plan to fly Apache Guardians during this year's Armed Forces Day parade is not only to show off its strong military power to the South Korean people , but also to send a warning message that if a conventional war breaks out, North Korea will be helpless .

( Host ) This was Lee Il-woo, Secretary General of the Korea Independent Defense Network . Now, here's Kim Jin-guk from RFA in Washington, DC .  

Editor Lee Jin-seo , Web Editor Han Deok-in  

5. Kyiv repels Russian aerial attack, North Korean ballistic weapons used in strike, city authorities say

How do they know they were north Korea?

They were either shot down or they failed in flight (snarky comment for sarcasm but perhaps not far from the truth).

Excerpts:

Popko added that according to preliminary information, Russian forces "most likely used KN-23, North Korean-made ballistic missiles."

Information released later by Ukraine's Air Force said one Russian and two ballistic missiles were used in the attack, as well as five cruise missiles and eight kamikaze drones.

It added that the two North Korean ballistic missiles, three cruise missiles and all eight kamikaze drones were intercepted by Ukraine's air defenses.

The others "did not reach their desired targets" though no further information was given.

Kyiv repels Russian aerial attack, North Korean ballistic weapons used in strike, city authorities say

kyivindependent.com · by Abbey Fenbert · August 18, 2024

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Kyiv repelled a Russian missile and drone attack in the early hours of Aug. 18, with city authorities saying North Korean ballistic weapons were used in the strike.

No damage or casualties have been reported in the capital.

"This is the third ballistic missile attack on the capital in August, with a clear interval of six days between the attacks," Serhii Popko, the head of Kyiv Military Administration, said in a post on Telegram.

Popko added that according to preliminary information, Russian forces "most likely used KN-23, North Korean-made ballistic missiles."

Information released later by Ukraine's Air Force said one Russian and two ballistic missiles were used in the attack, as well as five cruise missiles and eight kamikaze drones.

It added that the two North Korean ballistic missiles, three cruise missiles and all eight kamikaze drones were intercepted by Ukraine's air defenses.

The others "did not reach their desired targets" though no further information was given.

Air raid sirens rang out in Kyiv twice overnight though Popko said all the missiles and drones were downed on the approaches to the capital so no explosions were heard by those in the city.

Later on the morning of Aug. 18, Ukraine's State Emergency Service published photos of damaged residential buildings in the surrounding Kyiv Oblast and said rescuers were assisting people, but did not mention any casualties.

North Korea has long been shaping up as Russia's leading weapons supplier, reportedly providing Moscow with extensive military packages, including ballistic missiles and over 3 million artillery shells.

But the quality of the North Korean weapons is questionable – around half of the missiles fired at Ukraine by Russia have malfunctioned and exploded in mid-air, Reuters reported on May 7, citing Ukraine's Prosecutor General's Office.

Russian forces have intensified attacks against Kyiv in the summer of 2024. A mass drone attack launched on July 31 was the heaviest drone strike on the capital since the beginning of the year, according to the Kyiv City Military Administration.

Russia also targeted Kyiv in a missile strike on July 8 that hit a children's hospital, killing two people and injuring 32 others.

How Russia broke through Ukraine’s air defense to strike Kyiv children’s hospital

Russia unleashed one of its deadliest attacks against Kyiv on July 8, killing 33 people and injuring 121 others. Residential buildings and medical facilities suffered damage, with one Russian missile hitting Ohkmatdyt, the country’s largest children’s medical center. Rather than evidence of some t…

The Kyiv IndependentMartin Fornusek

kyivindependent.com · by Abbey Fenbert · August 18, 2024

6. Gov't, civic groups, defectors unite for unification of 2 Koreas, global peace

Gov't, civic groups, defectors unite for unification of 2 Koreas, global peace

The Korea Times · August 16, 2024

Rep. Lee Yong-sun, front row fifth from right, of the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) poses with Rep. Park Choong-kwon, front row fourth from right, of the People Power Party and other participants of the 79th Liberation Day Unification Implementation Resolution Rally for Action for Korea United event in Seoul, Thursday. Courtesy of Global Peace Foundation

By Kim Hyun-bin

Over 530 South and North Koreans, including members from approximately 130 civil society organizations, 350 political and social leaders and 180 North Korean defectors, gathered in Seoul on Thursday for the 79th Liberation Day Unification Implementation Resolution Rally for Action for Korea United, according to the Global Peace Foundation, Friday.

Participants, including defector-turned-lawmaker Rep. Park Choong-kwon and North Korea Strategy Center President Kang Cheol-hwan, vowed, “I will be the owner of the realization of a new unified nation.”

In a welcoming address, Rep. Lee Yong-sun of the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) expressed his “respect and gratitude” for citizens working toward peace and unification on the Korean Peninsula, despite the tense military situation between the two Koreas. He emphasized the importance of continuing preparation and action for unification and peace, echoing the “Korean Dream” vision.

Rep. Lee Yong-sun of Democratic Party of Korea speaks at the 79th Liberation Day Unification Implementation Resolution Rally for Action for Korea United event in Seoul, Thursday. Courtesy of Global Peace Foundation

Kim Choong-hwan, co-chair of Action for Korea United, expressed his hope that next year’s 80th National Liberation Day would be celebrated by both South and North Korea together.

“The Constitution of the Republic of Korea recognizes North Korean residents as citizens of South Korea,” he said. Kim urged the government to issue temporary one-time passports to North Korean defectors stranded in China and establish a pension system for defectors. “I sincerely hope that next year’s National Liberation Day will be one that North and South Korea can celebrate together.”

Rep. Joo Ho-young, deputy speaker of the National Assembly, noted the significance of the event in his congratulatory remarks. “This gathering is even more meaningful as it is a place where civic leaders and defector organizations pledge solidarity and cooperation for a free and unified Korea,” he said.

Rep. Park echoed these sentiments, saying, “The noble sacrifice of the martyrs, who were ordinary citizens, created today’s Republic of Korea. As pioneers of early unification, we will work alongside North Korean defectors to usher in a new era of unification.”

Rep. Park Choong-kwon of the People Power Party speaks at the 79th Liberation Day Unification Implementation Resolution Rally for Action for Korea United event in Seoul, Thursday. Courtesy of Global Peace Foundation

Seo In-teck, co-chair of Action for Korea United, presented a business plan titled “How to Achieve Unification,” emphasizing the current opportunity for unification. “Now is the opportunity for unification, as the three pillars that supported the North Korean regime — distribution-based economy, ideological control and politics of fear — have collapsed,” Seo said. He urged the resolution of internal conflicts among South Koreans and stressed the importance of the "Korean Dream" vision for a unified Korea that contributes to global peace.

Following the rally, participants adopted a resolution for action for unification, committing to overcome political and religious differences and work alongside North Korean defectors to achieve a free and unified Korea. The resolution underscored the “Korean Dream,” which draws from the spirit of Hongik Ingan — a concept rooted in ancient Korean mythology and Confucian principles — and is integral to Korean identity and culture. The participants also vowed to promote this vision to the international community.

The event concluded with attendees participating in the 2024 Korean Dream Festival held in Seoul. The festival is part of the Global Peace Youth Summer Camp, which aims to build a global network among young people from 30 countries and raise awareness of the international importance of Korean unification.

In a series of unification speeches, Jang Man-soon, chairman of the 10 Million Separated Families Committee, pledged to work toward unification.

“The 10 million separated families will strive to fulfill the two points mentioned by President Yoon in his Liberation Day address on the 79th anniversary of liberation: to inspire the North Korean people to yearn for free unification and to work in solidarity with the international community for unification,” Jang said.

Kim Yong-in, co-chair of the Korean Dream 10 Million Citizens Campaign, read the speech on behalf of former North Korean diplomat Ri Il-kyu, who said, “Unification will certainly come. I believe that if we unite our will, combine our wisdom and gather our thoughts, unification, the dream of 70 million Koreans, will soon be realized.”

The Korea Times · August 16, 2024

7. The Next Step for Japan-South Korea-US Security Cooperation: An Alternative to the UN Panel of Experts

Excerpt:

As they celebrate the first anniversary of their enhanced cooperation, Seoul, Tokyo, and Washington should take decisive steps to make this partnership more sustainable. Establishing an alternative to the POE could be a way forward. It will not only provide a necessary and vigilant oversight of the immediate global security concerns posed by North Korea but also reinforce the joint commitments made at Camp David, ensuring a continued focus on denuclearization and non-proliferation.

The Next Step for Japan-South Korea-US Security Cooperation: An Alternative to the UN Panel of Experts

thediplomat.com

Now that Russia has killed the U.N.’s mechanism for reporting on North Korea sanctions enforcement, the trilateral should craft an alternative.

By Kyung-joo Jeon and Bee Yun Jo

August 17, 2024

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (left), U.S. President Joe Biden (center), and Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio (right) during their summit at Camp David, U.S., Aug. 18, 2023.

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Embarking on a new era of trilateral partnership, the leaders of Japan, South Korea, and the United States held their first-ever stand-alone trilateral summit at Camp David in August 2023. Substantial progress is evident across multiple areas as we reach the first anniversary of the Camp David summit. To continue this new era of trilateral security cooperation, trilateral efforts and framework should be extended to creating an alternative to the Panel of Experts (POE) of the 1718 DPRK Sanctions Committee, which was killed in March by Russia’s veto on a resolution renewing the POE’s mandate.

Notable achievements of trilateral security cooperation include the establishment of a permanent secretariat to facilitate ongoing consultations and the signing of the Trilateral Security Cooperation Framework (TSCF) during a historic defense ministerial meeting in Japan in July. This framework institutionalizes security cooperation through policy consultations, information sharing, and joint exercises.

The successful launch of the multi-domain “Freedom Edge” military exercise, the first to synchronize air, maritime, underwater, and cyber operations, symbolizes the deepening Japan-South Korea relationship. Furthermore, the activation of real-time information sharing on North Korea’s missile launches not only underscores the growing trilateral security cooperation, but also increases in strategic value and timeliness in response to the increasing military ties between Pyongyang and Moscow.

The trilateral security cooperation is not without challenges, however. As the U.S. presidential election looms, with possibility of Donald Trump’s return to the White House, the past year’s work based on the Camp David Spirit may have to again weather Trump’s transactional approach to alliances.

Trilateral resilience may also be troubled should South Korea and Japan relations turn sour again. Japan’s recent bid to list the Sado Island Gold Mines on UNESCO’s World Heritage list, for instance, is again fueling controversy. While Seoul’s consent to this long-pursued bid signaled a timely step forward for reconciliation as South Korea and Japan look to the 60th anniversary of normalized diplomatic relations next year, the South Korean government risks domestic backlash.

To sustain and uphold the Camp David Spirit, it is crucial to explore new initiatives that leverage beyond the foreseeable challenges and continue to develop the unique strengths of this trilateral relationship. One such initiative could involve developing an alternative to the POE.

The POE was the foundation of implementing U.N. Security Council sanctions imposed on North Korea. It published an annual report that revealed wide-ranging sanctions violations and evasion activities by North Korea and third-party facilitators.

Although China has implicitly expressed opposition to creating an alternative, and other countries may align with this stance, there are reasons for the trilateral partnership to remain resolute and act swiftly in finding the best path forward to ensure the continued monitoring of North Korea’s illicit activities.

First, Pyongyang is expected to intensify its illicit transactions with Russia, Iran, and other conflict-prone nations. While North Korea’s proliferation activities are not new, they have been emboldened by Russia’s war efforts in Ukraine. With just over a year remaining until the 9th Party Congress, likely scheduled for early 2026, North Korea will require substantial foreign resources and technology to expedite its five-year economic and defense development plan before the end of next year. Months of POE vacancy may have already allowed numerous sanctions evasion efforts by North Korea and its international partners to go unchecked.

Second, being directly threatened by North Korean nuclear weapons, Japan, South Korea, and the United States have a vested interest in stopping Pyongyang’s illicit transactions. Moreover, as the three major countries that have imposed unilateral sanctions on North Korea in tandem with U.N. sanctions, they have the expertise, networks, and geographical proximity to monitor and investigate North Korea’s compliance with sanctions. Not only their governmental organizations, but also non-governmental and non-profit institutions are capable of and willing to monitor North Korea’s activities.

Third, exploring an alternative to the POE aligns perfectly with the Camp David Spirit, as expressed in the joint statement of the three countries. In the statement, they reaffirmed their commitment to “the complete denuclearization of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) in accordance with relevant UNSC resolutions and urge the DPRK to abandon its nuclear and ballistic missile programs.” While key accomplishments should be evident on multiple fronts, prioritizing North Korea remains crucial for the trilateral security cooperation. This focus is essential if the trilateral relationship is to garner strong support from the South Korean public, which still holds divergent views about its future relationship with Japan.

Last but not least, should U.S. leadership falter on the value of trilateral cooperation in the future, it will be crucial for South Korea and Japan to have readied an alternative platform to stop North Korea’s evasion of sanctions as the prolonged vacancy of the POE weakens the role of the international community.

Establishing an alternative mechanism to ensure timely, accurate, and unbiased reporting to the international community is a challenging and complex endeavor. The following recommendations can help achieve this critical objective.

First, while it is essential for Japan, South Korea, and the U.S. to promptly initiate this process, their vision for the alternative mechanism should strive to be more multilateral, neutral, and objective. Although the revival of the U.N. Panel of Experts is not currently feasible due to opposition from China and Russia, efforts should not be hindered by these countries. Seoul, Tokyo, and Washington should start as a small but authoritative group, with their permanent secretariat – already agreed to be established – serving as the focal point. Over time, however, they should work to expand the initiative to include more like-minded countries and non-governmental organizations.

Second, South Korean, American, and Japanese experts must work with impartiality. A significant weakness of the POE was that it allowed Russian and Chinese experts to veto the publication of individual investigations, removing or undermining assessments and analyses that Beijing and Moscow found unfavorable. The first step for these three countries is acknowledging and addressing their own loopholes. A U.K.-based Conflict Armament Research (CAR) analysis early this year found that 90 percent of the electronic components recovered from the debris of North Korean missiles used by Russia originated from 26 companies in eight countries, with the United States accounting for 75.5 percent and Japan for 3.1 percent. Addressing such issues is crucial for the credibility of the alternative mechanism.

Third, Japan, South Korea, and the U.S. can enhance the alternative monitoring mechanism by aligning it with their existing unilateral sanctions and cooperative efforts, such as the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI). While each country has imposed its own sanctions on North Korean entities and individuals, inconsistencies exist across their respective lists despite the coordination that sometimes occurs between these countries. The trilateral mechanism can offer an opportunity to cross-check and harmonize these sanctions lists, making them more comprehensive. Also, by directly integrating their investigations into PSI efforts, the three countries can mutually benefit by enhancing both monitoring and efforts to stop the trafficking of weapons of mass destruction.

Lastly, to ensure the mechanism’s credibility and success, South Korea and Japan must remain steadfast in their commitment to non-proliferation. The heated debates in Seoul about acquiring nuclear weapons are understandable, if not rational, given North Korea’s ongoing nuclear development despite decades of international efforts to reverse it. However, self-nuclear arming is not a wise option if Seoul wishes to retain the moral authority to criticize and investigate North Korea’s proliferation efforts alongside its allies and other international partners. In other words, Japan, South Korea, and the U.S. should use the development of this trilateral mechanism as an opportunity to reaffirm their commitment to non-proliferation and to strengthen their collaboration within this framework.

As they celebrate the first anniversary of their enhanced cooperation, Seoul, Tokyo, and Washington should take decisive steps to make this partnership more sustainable. Establishing an alternative to the POE could be a way forward. It will not only provide a necessary and vigilant oversight of the immediate global security concerns posed by North Korea but also reinforce the joint commitments made at Camp David, ensuring a continued focus on denuclearization and non-proliferation.

Authors

Guest Author

Kyung-joo Jeon

Dr. Kyung-joo Jeon is a research fellow at the Center for Security and Strategy at the Korea Institute for Defense Analyses (KIDA). Her research focuses on North Korean military and political issues, ROK defense planning, and extended deterrence. Since April 2024, she has been serving as a member of the advisory board to the Director of National Security in the Office of the President of the ROK.

Guest Author

Bee Yun Jo

Dr. Bee Yun JO is associate research fellow at the Center for Security and Strategy at KIDA. She is also nonresident senior fellow at the Atlantic Council. Her research focuses on South Korea’s deterrence and defense strategy, particularly on US extended deterrence and nuclear strategy. She is an advisory committee member of the ROK Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Department of Arms Control and Nonproliferation.

The views expressed in this piece are the authors’ alone.

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thediplomat.com

8.  What the US Forces Japan Reorganization Means for South Korea

There will be more opportunities and benefits than "challenges."

Conclusion:

The reconstitution of U.S. Forces Japan into a Joint Forces Headquarters represents a strategic shift aimed at enhancing operational efficiency, joint capability, and regional deterrence. For South Korea, this change brings a mix of opportunities and challenges. While the increased integration and capabilities of the JFHQ could strengthen regional security and improve collaboration with U.S. Forces Korea, South Korea must carefully navigate the implications for its own defense strategy and diplomatic relations. As the regional security environment continues to evolve, South Korea’s strategic adjustments and proactive engagement with both the U.S. and its regional partners will be crucial in maintaining stability and safeguarding its national interests.

What the US Forces Japan Reorganization Means for South Korea

thediplomat.com

Given South Korea’s heavy reliance on the U.S. military presence for its own security, the reconstitution of USFJ may necessitate a reassessment of Seoul’s strategic posture and defense planning.

By Jihoon Yu

August 16, 2024

U.S. Marines with 1st Marine Aircraft Wing march for pass and review during a change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, Aug. 12, 2022.

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The recent decision to reconstitute U.S. Forces Japan (USFJ) under the structure of a Joint Forces Headquarters (JFHQ) marks a profound shift in the strategic and operational posture of the United States’ military presence in the Asia-Pacific region. This transformation, which goes beyond mere bureaucratic reorganization, has significant implications for regional security dynamics, especially for South Korea.

The primary objective behind establishing the JFHQ is to enhance the coordination and integration of various military branches operating within the region. By creating a unified command structure, the United States aims to streamline operations, improve joint capabilities, and respond more effectively to emerging threats. This move reflects a broader trend toward optimizing command structures to address complex, multi-domain threats that characterize modern warfare. The JFHQ will be tasked with consolidating command responsibilities under a three-star general, a strategic shift designed to elevate operational efficiency and effectiveness.

This reconstitution signals a renewed commitment to strengthening deterrence in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly against the backdrop of escalating threats from China and North Korea. The creation of a unified command structure is anticipated to enhance the U.S. military’s ability to project power, maintain a credible deterrent posture, and rapidly respond to any regional crises. This strategic realignment also furthers the U.S. policy of rebalancing its military focus toward the Indo-Pacific, while underscoring Japan’s role as a critical ally and strategic hub in the region.

For South Korea, the reorganization of USFJ into a JFHQ carries several profound implications. The shift in regional security dynamics is likely to impact the balance of power across the Asia-Pacific.

Given South Korea’s heavy reliance on the U.S. military presence for its own security, the reconstitution of USFJ may necessitate a reassessment of South Korea’s strategic posture and defense planning. The potential redirection of U.S. focus toward Japan could inadvertently shift some attention away from the Korean Peninsula. This change may prompt South Korea to seek a more prominent role in regional security arrangements or advocate for adjustments in the bilateral defense cooperation framework to ensure alignment with U.S. strategic objectives.

The reorganization of USFJ could also foster closer operational collaboration between USFJ and U.S. Forces Korea (USFK). With the U.S. aiming for greater integration within its regional forces, there may be increased coordination between USFJ and USFK. This enhanced collaboration could lead to more joint exercises and shared strategies, contributing to improved overall regional security. However, this integration could also introduce complexities in managing overlapping responsibilities and ensuring smooth operational coordination between the two commands.

Additionally, the enhanced capabilities and expanded focus of the JFHQ might place added pressure on South Korea to bolster its own defense capabilities. Seoul may need to invest significantly in its military modernization efforts to complement the U.S. presence and ensure it can independently address regional threats.

The reconstitution could also impact South Korea’s diplomatic relations with both the U.S. and Japan. Seoul may face the challenge of navigating a complex diplomatic landscape, balancing its alliances with the U.S. and Japan while managing its own national security interests. This situation could require heightened diplomatic engagement and negotiation to ensure that South Korea’s strategic concerns are adequately addressed and not overshadowed by the new U.S. military posture.

The reconstitution of U.S. Forces Japan into a Joint Forces Headquarters represents a strategic shift aimed at enhancing operational efficiency, joint capability, and regional deterrence. For South Korea, this change brings a mix of opportunities and challenges. While the increased integration and capabilities of the JFHQ could strengthen regional security and improve collaboration with U.S. Forces Korea, South Korea must carefully navigate the implications for its own defense strategy and diplomatic relations. As the regional security environment continues to evolve, South Korea’s strategic adjustments and proactive engagement with both the U.S. and its regional partners will be crucial in maintaining stability and safeguarding its national interests.

Guest Author

Jihoon Yu

Jihoon Yu is a research fellow at the Korea Institute for Defense Analyses. Jihoon is the main author of the ROK Navy’s Navy Vision 2045. His area of expertise includes the ROK-US alliance, the ROK-Europe security cooperation, Inter-Korean relations, national security, maritime security, hybrid-threats and strategic weapons systems. He earned his BA in International Relations from the ROK Naval Academy, MA in National Security Affairs from the US Naval Postgraduate School and PhD in Political Science from Syracuse University.

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thediplomat.com

9. North Korea spurns foreign aid, burdens citizens for flood recovery

No matter how badly the Koreanpeople in the s=north suffer, Kim Jong Un cannot accept foreign aid for fear of undermining regime legitimacy. And of course this is likely to backfire as the regime cannot take care of all the people.

North Korea spurns foreign aid, burdens citizens for flood recovery - Daily NK English

The North Korean government's active efforts to aid flood victims may help win over displaced people, but critics contend they are turning off the more significant number who must foot the bill for the aid

By Lee Chae Eun - August 19, 2024

dailynk.com · by Lee Chae Eun · August 19, 2024

The Rodong Sinmun reported on Aug. 10 that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un re-visited Uiju county, North Pyongan province, on Aug. 8 and 9, where he issued an important order regarding recovery efforts. Noteworthy are the supplies received by the displaced people as they listened to Kim’s address. (Rodong Sinmun, News1)

North Koreans face mounting financial burdens for flood recovery as the regime rejects international aid, sparking widespread discontent.

Speaking anonymously, a source in North Pyongan province recently said that regional party organizations have been collecting cash from people to purchase flood relief supplies and help displaced families.

In Sinuiju, several organizations, including enterprises and the Socialist Women’s Union of Korea, started collecting 20,000 to 30,000 North Korean won per person from residents from Aug. 1, calling on people to come together to obtain clothing, necessities and repair supplies for displaced people.

That amount of money is enough to buy 3.5 to 5 kilograms of rice in a North Korean market, placing a heavy burden on the public.

On Aug. 8, the Sinuiju people’s committee ordered neighborhood watch units to collect cash from people to provide fingerless gloves to Paektusan Hero Youth Shock Brigade members dispatched to flood recovery efforts.

This burdened people who were already skipping meals because they had no money to buy food.

With the North Korean authorities turning down offers of aid from overseas, people are complaining that the state “is ultimately squeezing the money out of the people after rejecting aid from other countries.”

Speaking to displaced people in the Uiju flood zone in North Pyongan province on Aug. 8 and 9, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said that “several countries and international organizations were offering humanitarian aid” but that the North would “open its path forward with its strength and effort.”

This reaffirmed that Pyongyang would not accept international aid from South Korea, Russia, China, UNICEF, and other nations and organizations.

Criticism of the regime’s refusal to accept outside aid

North Koreans have criticized this, asking why their country would turn down such reasonable offers “when the state can barely offer a few kernels of corn.” Accusing the state of “squeezing them for blood and sweat,” they question whether “declining aid from other countries was a choice made for the people.”

The North Korean government’s active efforts to aid flood victims may help win over displaced people, but critics contend they are turning off the more significant number who must foot the bill for the aid.

“Giving free corn to people who lost their homes and became beggars overnight might strengthen their loyalty to the party and state, but the people who must pay for the corn are starving,” the source said. “Such people are fed up, as if the party and state are enemies.”

While North Korean authorities claim to show love for the people by aiding flood victims, their rejection of international assistance in favor of burdening citizens suggests a short-sighted policy.

“Anyway, forcing people struggling to make a living to pay to help displaced people is liking wringing water from a dry towel,” the source said. “The number of people displeased with the party and state will rise due to the flood damage.”

Daily NK works with a network of sources in North Korea, China, and elsewhere. For security reasons, their identities remain anonymous.

Please send any comments or questions about this article to dailynkenglish@uni-media.net.

Read in Korean

dailynk.com · by Lee Chae Eun · August 19, 2024

10. Irony: N. Korean smugglers needed to fix anti-smuggling fences

Irony or the contradictions of north Korea?

Irony: N. Korean smugglers needed to fix anti-smuggling fences - Daily NK English

"Border guards have no choice but to turn a blind eye to smuggling since they need smugglers' help," a source told Daily NK

By Seon Hwa - August 19, 2024

dailynk.com · by Seon Hwa · August 19, 2024

FILE PHOTO: North Korean soldiers seen constructing fences along the China-North Korea border in 2020. (Daily NK)

Recent flood damage to North Korea-China border guard posts and fences has heightened Pyongyang’s concerns about defections and smuggling. While authorities have ordered swift repairs, a lack of materials impedes progress.

On Monday, a Daily NK source in North Pyongan province reported that in early August, North Korean authorities ordered border guards to mobilize all personnel to repair flood-damaged guard posts, fallen fences and utility poles.

The directive set a first-phase deadline of Sept. 9 (North Korea’s founding day) and a second-phase deadline of Oct. 10 (Workers’ Party founding day).

North Pyongan province’s border guards plan to focus on rebuilding collapsed posts and restoring lost fencing and poles by the first deadline. They aim to reinstall surveillance cameras and communication lines by the second deadline.

The two-month timeframe likely accounts for both structural repairs and restoration of communications and power systems.

Currently, border guards are working to rebuild fallen fences, poles and collapsed posts. However, they can’t repair flood-damaged fencing due to lack of materials. The source said authorities are demanding swift restoration without providing any state support for materials or equipment.

Consequently, border guards are asking smugglers to procure materials. This creates the paradoxical situation of requesting help from smugglers to build anti-smuggling infrastructure.

“The state calls for eradicating collusion between border guards and smugglers, but as you can see, they need smugglers’ help just to repair a fence,” the source said. “Is it really possible to end this relationship in such circumstances?”

The source added, “Border guards have no choice but to turn a blind eye to smuggling since they need smugglers’ help. If they’re lucky, procuring materials through smuggling goes undetected and they’re praised for self-reliance. If unlucky, they’re punished for involvement in smuggling. That’s the reality for border guards.”

Meanwhile, North Korea recently dispatched the Ministry of Defence’s 725 Command team to North Pyongan province’s border with China. This team is known to develop strategies to control border crossings, illegal entry and smuggling, and report border closure situations to the Workers’ Party’s Military-Government Guidance Department.

The 725 Command team is currently overseeing military units mobilized for border flood damage recovery. However, the source explained that its main focus appears to be establishing a strong control system against illegal activities in the border region, rather than simply managing recovery efforts.

Daily NK works with a network of sources living in North Korea, China, and elsewhere. Their identities remain anonymous for security reasons.

Please send any comments or questions about this article to dailynkenglish@uni-media.net.

Read in Korean

dailynk.com · by Seon Hwa · August 19, 2024

11. Yoon urges readiness for NK's 'hybrid warfare'

​Hybrid, asymmetric, irregular, gray zone. 

All buzzwords aside, the north's strategy is based on political warfare and blackmail diplomacy to support its objective to dominate the Korean peninsula under the rule of the Guerrilla Dynasty and Gulag State in order to ensure the survival of the Kim family regime.

Yoon urges readiness for NK's 'hybrid warfare'

koreaherald.com · by Son Ji-hyoung · August 19, 2024

Annual Ulchi exercise kicks off for 11 days including nationwide civil defense drill Thursday

By Son Ji-hyoung

Published : Aug. 19, 2024 - 15:15

The South Korean army and police conduct a joint live anti-terror drill at a bank branch in Daegu on Monday. (Yonhap)

The Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise of the military forces of South Korea and the United States jointly kicked off on Monday with South Korean civilians, with the primary focus on addressing North Korea's nonkinetic operations, such as public opinion warfare, cyberattacks and the spread of fake news.

The annual summertime joint military exercise that runs through Aug. 29 is the third such exercise since President Yoon Suk Yeol took office in May 2022, as Pyongyang increasingly blends unconventional war tools with nuclear missile threats, according to Seoul.

Alongside the military exercise, a four-day civil defense exercise involving some 580,000 civilians from about 4,000 institutions also began Monday, to involve a civil defense drill Thursday during which people here at 2 p.m. will be advised to move to one of some 17,000 shelters following an evacuation siren. Traffic controls will come into effect.

In this vein, Yoon on Monday stressed South Korea's capacity to fend off social unrest in the wake of Pyongyang's propaganda operations and incitement at a Cabinet meeting held at his office, followed by a meeting of the National Security Council he presided over.

"As we can see from the war in Ukraine and the conflicts in the Middle East, war can break out at any time," Yoon said. "Furthermore, the nature of warfare has also changed a lot from in the past."

In his remarks there, Yoon called for a defense readiness posture of both the government and the military, while reiterating the threat of "antistate forces" conducting covert operations in South Korean society, which mirrored his Liberation Day speech urging people not to be deluded by false propaganda and "pseudo-intellectuals" circulating fake news.

President Yoon Suk Yeol salutes to the national flag as he presided over a Cabinet meeting in his office in Seoul Monday. (Presidential office)

"Everywhere in our society are anti-state forces active in secret operations and threatening our freedom and democracy," he said, without specifying who he was referring to.

"North Korea will capitalize on (antistate forces) in the early stage of warfare to instigate national confusion and divide public opinion using violence, public opinion rigging, propaganda and incitement," he added, calling on the nation to devise ways to fight and find solutions for such confusion and division.

An official from the presidential office said on condition of anonymity that any of these instigators posing a threat to freedom and democracy should be deemed anticonstitutional.

Yoon has remained an unpopular president, as his approval rating has hovered in the low-to-middle 30 percent range for most of his term dating to May 2022. The conservative president's job approval rating hit its lowest point in two months at 30.7 percent in the third week of August, according to a Realmeter poll Monday.

Yoon said this year's Ulchi Freedom Shield will focus on "practicing comprehensive measures" to respond to Pyongyang's low-level "gray-zone provocations" such as hacking attacks, trash-carrying balloons and GPS jamming attacks.

"Hybrid warfare is being waged as a military strategy combining conventional warfare with irregular warfare, cyberwarfare and psychological warfare with the generation of fake news influencing public opinion and sentiment," Yoon said.

President Yoon Suk Yeol (fifth from left) convenes a National Security Council meeting in Seoul Monday. (Presidential office)

The exercise -- involving both computer-simulated war games and field-based outdoor drills -- will also focus on response measures against hypothetical attacks on roads, telecommunications infrastructure, utilities or nuclear power plants.

"Now that the roles in the military and civilians are blurring against this backdrop, we need to come up with a national war readiness posture where all parties concerned gather strength."

According to South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff on Sunday, the government will participate in a drill against an invasion scenario by North Korea involving a nuclear attack, for the first time in South Korea's history.

Forty-eight joint field-based drills between South Korea and the US involving live-fire drills will take place during the exercise, outstripping 38 last year. Yoon said the expanded outdoor drills in the exercise will "enhance the combined capabilities" of the two countries' military forces and "contribute to boasting the South Korea-US military alliance."

koreaherald.com · by Son Ji-hyoung · August 19, 2024

12. S. Korea's defense exports set to surpass $20 bn this year

​The global pivotal state and a partner in the arsenal of democracy.

Industry

S. Korea's defense exports set to surpass $20 bn this year

https://www.chosun.com/english/industry-en/2024/08/19/HAINS5IQCVF2JMA7I3NSBXHFYI/

By Lee Jeong-gu,

Lee Jung-soo

Published 2024.08.19. 14:31

South Korea’s defense industry is poised for a remarkable recovery in 2024, driven by strong export growth and strategic international partnerships, with expectations of reaching a historic $20 billion in annual exports. /Republic of Korea Army

Last year, South Korea’s defense industry, which experienced a slight downturn, is set to rebound in 2024, with expectations of achieving an unprecedented $20 billion in annual exports.

S. Korea’s defense exports, which were around $3 billion in 2020, more than doubled to $7.3 billion in 2021 and reached $17.3 billion in 2022. Although there was a decrease to $14 billion last year, exports to Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America have driven this year’s performance.

The number of countries importing S. Korean defense products also expanded from four in 2022 to twelve last year, with a target of exceeding fifteen countries by the end of this year. One of the reasons for the expansion of export destinations is the ongoing conflicts, such as the Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Hamas war, which have sustained global demand for defense supplies.

In the Middle East, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a key customer of S. Korean defense products, signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with S. Korea in May, removing tariffs on weaponry.

An official from the defense industry commented that “if the UAE continues to express satisfaction with S. Korean defense products, it could spark increased interest from neighboring countries like Saudi Arabia and Qatar.”

Following this trend, S. Korean defense companies are continuing to secure contracts and maintain their momentum by strengthening their presence in countries such as Poland and Romania.

In July, Hanwha Aerospace signed a $1.3 billion export contract with Romania’s Ministry of Defense for K9 self-propelled howitzers and other equipment. Meanwhile, Hyundai Rotem is aiming to replace Romania’s outdated tanks with the K2 model. With its expertise in both tank production and railway infrastructure, Hyundai Rotem can offer comprehensive package deals that integrate both systems.

Driven by these favorable conditions, S. Korea’s five major defense companies—Hanwha Aerospace, Hanwha Systems, Hyundai Rotem, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), and LIG Nex1—are expected to achieve a combined operating profit of 2 trillion won $1.5 billion) for the first time in history. Earlier this year, in just the first half alone, their combined operating profit exceeded $675.2 million.

As exports continue to grow, another significant factor to consider is the ‘lock-in effect’ of weapon system exports. Once a country adopts a specific weapon system, it becomes challenging to switch to another, leading to additional purchases of compatible weapons and expanded military cooperation.

​13. Poland bolsters defense with South Korean arms

Poland bolsters defense with South Korean arms

Korean-made weapons take center stage at Poland's Armed Forces Day Parade

https://www.chosun.com/english/industry-en/2024/08/19/GY7PG46V45AOVKJ7IKWY7ILV3A/

By Seo Yookun,

Lee Jae-eun

Published 2024.08.19. 14:04

Updated 2024.08.19. 14:42

A large-scale military parade was held at Piłsudski Square in Warsaw, Poland, on August 15 to commemorate Armed Forces Day. Thousands gathered in the square as President Andrzej Duda saluted the assembled troops. The highlight of the 30-minute parade was the display of seven major weapons systems that showcased Poland’s military strength.

Polish President Andrzej Duda reviews the troops on Armed Forces Day, August 15, 2024. Armed Forces Day is a Polish national holiday celebrated annually on August 15, commemorating the anniversary of the 1920 victory over Soviet Russia at the Battle of Warsaw during the Polish–Soviet War. / Yonhap

The Homar-K multiple rocket launcher system (MLRS), the Polish version of South Korea’s K239 Chunmoo rocket artillery system, led the parade. The Homar-K was delivered last year after being customized to meet the Polish government’s specific requirements. It was introduced ahead of the U.S.-made High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), drawing enthusiastic cheers from the crowd.

Another Korean-made weapon, the K2 Black Panther tank, rolled onto the parade route five minutes later. The K2, alongside the German Leopard 2 and American M1 Abrams, is a mainstay of Poland’s next-generation armored forces. The K9 Thunder, a Korean 155 mm self-propelled howitzer, showed up three minutes later. The parade concluded with the appearance of the AHS Krab, a self-propelled tracked gun-howitzer built on the K9 Thunder chassis.

The Polish government and local defense media Defense24 said that the parade involved 2,500 troops and over 220 tanks, self-propelled artillery, missile launchers and air defense systems. Three of the seven major weapons systems showcased were Korean-made, highlighting the increasing influence of Korean weapons in Poland’s military capabilities.

The parade was a powerful demonstration of Korea’s defense capabilities, akin to a “K-defense exhibition,” with the latest Korean-imported weapons appearing in succession. European countries, including Poland, used to rely heavily on U.S. or European-made arms. The dynamics shifted after the Russia-Ukraine war. Korean defense companies secured export contracts by emphasizing their ability to produce and deliver weapons quickly in urgent situations, along with offers of technology transfer and competitive pricing.

The Polish government and Korean defense firm Hanwha Aerospace announced a framework agreement in 2022 to supply 288 Chunmoo rocket artillery units, 672 K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzers and 1,000 K2 tanks from Hyundai Rotem to Poland.

Based on this framework, the Polish government signed a first phase contract in 2022 for 218 Chunmoo units and a second phase contract this year for 72 more, bringing the total to 290. For the K2 tanks, the first phase contract for 180 units was completed in 2022, with negotiations ongoing for the remaining 820 units. Regarding the K9 self-propelled howitzers, Poland signed contracts for 218 units in 2022, followed by a second contract for 152 units last December.

Korea’s arms exports to Poland mark the country’s entry into the European defense market, specifically into Eastern Europe. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Eastern European countries have been bolstering their defense capabilities. Recently, Romania also signed a contract to purchase South Korean weapons.

Poland’s procurement deals with Korean defense companies are driven by the need to modernize its armed forces by replacing aging Soviet-era defense systems with the latest weaponry. This effort is also aimed at replenishing Poland’s arsenal after supplying Soviet and Russian-made weapons to Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict.

14. Yoon Suk-yeol: North Korea may exploit internal divisions to incite chaos

President Yoon understands that a key aspect of the regime's political warfare strategy is to undermine the legitimacy of the ROK government and society (as well as the ROK/US alliance). While political opposition is a good thing in a democracy there are some in the South who are acting in ways that support the regime's political warfare strategy. One of those actions is the call for the South to arm itself with nuclear weapons which will contribute to driving a wedge in the ROK/US alliance.

Yoon Suk-yeol: North Korea may exploit internal divisions to incite chaos

As Ulchi Freedom Shield begins, Yoon highlights risks from internal anti-state forces

https://www.chosun.com/english/national-en/2024/08/19/ITSD6556BFBOVKOTLHTN5A3Q3A/

By Yang Ji-ho,

Park Su-hyeon

Published 2024.08.19. 14:06

Updated 2024.08.19. 14:28

President Yoon Suk-yeol on Aug. 19 warned of growing threats to South Korea’s liberal democracy from anti-state forces within the country. Speaking at a Cabinet meeting in Seoul ahead of the Ulchi Freedom Shield (UFS) exercise, Yoon said North Korea might use these forces to incite violence and sow division at the onset of a conflict. He stressed the importance of preventing such chaos and strengthening national resolve.

President Yoon Suk-yeol speaks during a Cabinet meeting at the presidential office in Seoul on Aug. 19, 2024, on the first day of the Ulchi Freedom Shield (UFS) exercise, an annual joint military exercise between South Korea and the United States./Newsis

The meeting, held at the Presidential Office in Yongsan, was part of a four-day UFS exercise designed to test government response in emergency situations. Yoon noted the increasing threat posed by North Korea’s provocative actions, describing them as some of the most reckless and irrational globally. He criticized North Korea’s focus on nuclear and missile development at the expense of its people’s well-being and condemned recent provocations, such as GPS jamming and the release of propaganda balloons.

“As we have seen in the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, conflicts can arise unexpectedly and involve a mix of conventional warfare, cyber attacks, and psychological operations,” Yoon said. He emphasized the need for a unified national effort, noting that the lines between military and civilian roles are increasingly blurred.

Yoon called on the government and military to enhance their response procedures for various crisis scenarios, including North Korea’s “gray zone” provocations and attacks on critical infrastructure. He also urged strengthening measures against misinformation, fake news, and cyberattacks as part of a comprehensive strategy to address these threats.

15.  Leaders of ruling, main opposition parties to hold their 1st official talks Sunday

Hopefully it is easier to bring the PPP and the DP together than it is to bring the north and SOuth the negotiating table.

(LEAD) Leaders of ruling, main opposition parties to hold their 1st official talks Sunday | Yonhap News Agency

en.yna.co.kr · by Kim Soo-yeon · August 19, 2024

(ATTN: RECASTS headline, lead; UPDATES with more details throughout; CHANGES photo)

SEOUL, Aug. 19 (Yonhap) -- The leaders of the ruling People Power Party (PPP) and the main opposition Democratic Party (DP) will hold talks over the weekend, PPP officials said Monday, in what would be their first official meeting.

PPP leader Han Dong-hoon will meet with Lee Jae-myung, who was reelected as the chief of the DP the previous day, at the National Assembly on Sunday afternoon, the ruling party said in a notice to the press.

It marks the first time that they will hold bilateral talks as chiefs of the ruling and main opposition parties. But both sides are still in talks over details of the upcoming meeting, such as agenda items.

Earlier in the day, Han welcomed an offer of talks by Lee, while congratulating Lee on his reelection and voiced hope their envisioned meeting could lead to "substantial progress" on several stalled livelihood-related issues.

"I hope we can set a time and place as soon as possible," Han said.

Lee, who won a second term with a record high share of the vote Sunday, proposed bilateral talks with President Yoon Suk Yeol to address what he called the "most pressing" task of recovering people's livelihoods.

He also offered to hold separate bilateral talks with Han to discuss "pressing issues," most notably a bill calling for a special counsel investigation into the death of a young Marine conscript last year during a search for flood victims.

Earlier this month, the rival parties agreed to swiftly deal with bills on livelihood issues that were left aside amid monthslong partisan disputes over other contentious issues, including the special counsel bill.

This undated file photo shows Han Dong-hoon (R), leader of the ruling People Power Party, and Lee Jae-myung, chief of the main opposition Democratic Party. (Yonhap)

julesyi@yna.co.kr

(END)

en.yna.co.kr · by Kim Soo-yeon · August 19, 2024

16. New South Korean National Security Team Has Close Ties to Pyongyang

I mentioned some of Im Jong Seok's close associates in the Moon administration in this assessment from 2020.

New South Korean National Security Team Has Close Ties to Pyongyang

https://www.fdd.org/analysis/2020/07/08/new-sk-natsec-team-has-ties-to-pyongyang/

Ex-presidential chief of staff summoned over allegations involving Moon family | Yonhap News Agency

en.yna.co.kr · by Yoo Cheong-mo · August 19, 2024

JEONJU, South Korea, Aug. 19 (Yonhap) -- Im Jong-seok, a former chief of staff for preceding President Moon Jae-in, has been summoned for questioning over allegations Moon's former son-in-law was unfairly hired as an airline executive in exchange for favors for the firm's founder, prosecutors said Monday.

The Jeonju District Prosecutors Office in Jeonju, about 190 kilometers south of Seoul, said Im was asked to appear before prosecutors as a witness at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday. Im served as Moon's top secretary from May 2017 to January 2019.

Prosecutors are expected to ask Im whether he played any role in the appointment of Lee Sang-jik, founder of South Korean budget carrier Eastar Jet and its Thai affiliate, Thai Eastar Jet, as head of the Korea SMEs and Startups Agency (KOSME) in 2018.

Following Lee's appointment, Moon's then son-in-law, surnamed Seo, was hired as an executive director of Thai Eastar Jet. Seo's employment, with his previous career including a stint at a game company and no experience in the airline industry, raised skepticism about the background at that time.

Prosecutors suspect that the decision to appoint Lee as the KOSME chief was probably made during an informal meeting of presidential secretaries at the presidential office in late 2017.

Earlier, prosecutors booked Cho Hyun-ock, former senior presidential secretary for personnel affairs under Moon, on power abuse charges in connection with Lee's case and questioned several other former presidential office officials. Seo, who divorced Moon's only daughter Da-hye in recent years, has been questioned as a witness three times this year, during which he exercised his right to remain silent.

Confirming the prosecution's summons in his social media post, Im said the case appears to have been initiated by "political prosecutors" who have already drawn a "picture for political purposes," as seen in their recent search of the bank accounts of Moon and his wife.

Former presidential chief of staff Im Jong-seok (Yonhap)

ycm@yna.co.kr

(END)

en.yna.co.kr · by Yoo Cheong-mo · August 19, 2024

De Oppresso Liber,

David Maxwell

Vice President, Center for Asia Pacific Strategy

Senior Fellow, Global Peace Foundation

Editor, Small Wars Journal

Twitter: @davidmaxwell161

Phone: 202-573-8647

email: david.maxwell161@gmail.com