Lee stresses self-responsibility in national defense

Mar 24, 2026, 08:29 am

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President Lee Jae-myung speaks at the 59th Central Integrated Defense Council meeting held at the Blue House guesthouse on March 23. / Yonhap News

President Lee Jae-myung said on March 23 that national defense is a core responsibility that must never be entrusted to others and must be fully shouldered by the country itself.

Speaking at the 59th Central Integrated Defense Council meeting held at the Blue House, Lee noted that the current international situation is “highly complex and fluid.” He emphasized that, especially in such times, a nationwide integrated defense system is more important than ever, adding that self-reliant defense is at the heart of that system.

The Central Integrated Defense Council is an annual meeting where key officials responsible for national defense gather to evaluate preparedness and discuss ways to improve it.

Lee stressed that the country must be ready to respond not only to military threats but also to non-military risks such as cyberattacks, terrorism, climate crises, and disasters. He said all defense-related entities—including civilian authorities, government agencies, the military, police, and fire departments—must operate as one unified body in times of emergency to protect the nation and its people.

“While it is important for each entity to build expertise and capability, establishing an organic and cooperative system is equally crucial,” he added.

Lee also called for strengthening systems to ensure the country can defend itself under any adverse conditions, pledging that his administration will significantly enhance integrated defense capabilities and readiness.

During the meeting, participants discussed response measures in the event of large-scale explosions at gas or oil facilities, taking into account the recent conflict in the Middle East. Relevant agencies—including the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, the Ministry of National Defense, and the city of Ulsan—shared their views, according to a written briefing by presidential spokesperson Kang Yoo-jung.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, and the National Intelligence Service also presented reports on integrated defense readiness, civil defense posture, and this year’s outlook on North Korea.

In his closing remarks, Lee compared the heads of participating agencies to “people playing the role of small gods,” stressing that the lives of citizens depend on their level of preparedness. He urged them to establish practical systems and readiness that can function effectively under modern conditions.

About 170 officials attended the meeting, including the prime minister, cabinet members, the chair of the National Assembly’s Defense Committee, the director of the National Intelligence Service, regional government heads, and senior officials from the military, police, coast guard, and fire services.

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