Kim Jong Un Orders Strengthening of Frontline Troops

Kim Jong Un, Chairman of the Workers' Party of Korea, has directed the strengthening of frontline troops stationed along the southern border.
 
On May 18, the Korean Central News Agency reported that Kim convened a meeting of division and brigade commanders at the Party's Central Committee headquarters the previous day to discuss a series of "important military issues."
 
During the meeting, Kim emphasized the need to reinforce the first-line units guarding the "southern border" and transform the border into an impregnable fortress, in line with the Party's territorial defense policy.
 
He also announced plans to reorganize military structures as a "critical decision" to ensure a more thorough deterrence against war. Additionally, he outlined strategies to enhance the military capabilities of key units, including the first-line troops.
 
Kim stated, "We will establish organizational measures to renew our military in terms of military structure and technology," highlighting the responsibilities and roles of commanders in this effort.
 
Yang Moo-jin, a professor at the University of North Korean Studies, noted that the directive to make the border an impregnable fortress likely reflects pressure on field commanders to strengthen physical barriers and isolation from South Korea, including the deployment of tactical nuclear weapons and new artillery forces.
 
Kim further stressed the need to redefine operational concepts across all domains to match the rapid modernization of military equipment and to expedite plans for practical training.
 
He instructed commanders that training for combat readiness is the military's primary duty, urging them to adjust training systems in line with the evolving nature of modern warfare and the development of the military.
 
Kim asserted, "We are building a powerful military," and stated that the tasks outlined in the upcoming five-year plan will significantly enhance the military's strategic readiness and deterrence capabilities compared to the present.
 
Hong Min, a senior researcher at the Korea Institute for National Unification, noted that this is the first report of a meeting of division and brigade commanders since Kim took power, suggesting it conveys the leader's commitment and plans for implementing modern training and weaponry over the next five years.