0
The South Korean national flag flies over Cheong Wa Dae, which appears relatively quiet on Dec. 28 last year, a day before the presidential office's return to the compound. The presidential standard bearing a phoenix emblem is scheduled to be raised at midnight on Dec. 29. The photo shows Cheong Wa Dae as seen from the Government Complex Seoul in Jongno District, Seoul, on Dec. 28. /Photo by Park Seong-il

South Korea's presidential office made clear on Nov. 12 that its plans to expand the Cheonghae Unit's mission would adhere to the principles of not participating in the war and not operating under another chain of command.

A senior presidential official emphasized the principles during a meeting with reporters at the Chunchugwan press center that day, saying, "The government's position on expanding the scope of the Cheonghae Unit's mission is clear."

The official explained, "We have distinguished between what we should and should not do, set our goals and are moving forward accordingly. One of our goals is to protect our citizens and vessels."

"Another is to participate in international cooperation to ensure safe and free navigation, and we also aim to safeguard our energy security interests," the official added.

The official stressed, "Our guiding principles on what we must not do are that we will neither participate in nor become involved in war or combat, and that we will not operate under another chain of command."

"If we act according to what we should and should not do, we will not find ourselves in situations involving attacks or other dangers," the official said. "We are explaining this position to the National Assembly."

Asked about the impact of the U.S. midterm elections on discussions over the transfer of wartime operational control (OPCON) to South Korea, the official said, "No particular impact from the midterm elections has become apparent yet."

"Discussions on OPCON are making progress, albeit gradually, at the senior and ministerial levels, as well as at the level of policy chiefs," the official added.

                                                                                                              Hong Sun-mi