By Lee Jon-young

On the afternoon of October 1, the 75th anniversary of the founding of the ROK Armed Forces and the 70th anniversary of the signing of the U.S.-ROK Mutual Defense Treaty, President Yoon Suk-yeol visited the Army's 25th Infantry Division on the front lines of the Western Front to inspect its robust military readiness and commend the soldiers for their efforts in vigilant operations.

The President's visit included a report on military readiness from Maj. Gen. Choi Sung-jin, commander of the 25th Infantry Division, a tour of the GOP fence, and a meeting with soldiers.

Upon his arrival, the President left a message on a guestbook, "Proud and confident in the 25th Division of the Rising Dragon Army," and received a military readiness briefing from Major General Choi Sung-jin at the division's observation post. 

Major General Choi explained that this was the first area where North Korean tunnels were discovered, reported on the situation at the time of the discovery, and asked detailed questions about the status of the frontline, including the armistice line and thrust fence. The President also observed the North Korean army's outposts through a telescope.

When Major General Choi reported that the ROK is preparing for North Korea's unmanned aerial vehicles and will thoroughly punish the North if it provokes, the President emphasized, "Don't wait a second to respond."

The President went on to encourage the 30 soldiers who are steadfastly defending the frontline and asked them to maintain their readiness without wavering.

"I am deeply grateful for the efforts of the soldiers under Division Commander Choi Sung-jin, who are dedicated to GOP vigilance operations on the front lines of the Western Front," the President said.

He continued to say, "I am proud of the soldiers of the Rising Dragon Corps, who always win when they fight. Today is the 75th anniversary of the Armed Forces of Korea. At the Armed Forces Day ceremony on the 26th, I witnessed with my eyes the majesty of our military, which has grown into a powerful force." 

"Although the current security situation is very severe, I feel secure with the people after seeing your imposing majesty," he said. The President also emphasized that "security and economy are one and the same," and urged them to "take pride in your duties, knowing that your dedication on the front lines of security is the key to boosting our economy and industries." "I want to thank you and commend you for your tireless efforts to keep us safe, even during the holiday season," the president concluded, drawing applause from the audience.

Division Commander Choi said that the soldiers were informed of the President's visit yesterday due to security concerns, and said that the President's visit would be the greatest gift to our soldiers. 

Corporal Song Ki-hyun, who was also present, said that he was thrilled to see the President attend the Armed Forces Day event despite the rain. "You look much younger than what I've seen in the media," he said, eliciting laughter from the audience, including the President.

The President then personally toured the GOP perimeter patrol route on foot, checking the alertness and praising the soldiers for their hard work despite the holiday break. As he walked down the fence, the president asked if there were any safety risks from snow in winter and asked them to thoroughly equip themselves with safety equipment such as crampons, to which Major General Choi replied that they would do their best to ensure the safety of the soldiers, explaining that the current complex perimeter system with and without the fence has increased the efficiency of manpower operations compared to the past. 

"We are wary of two enemies," Choi said, "one is North Korea and the other is our own mannerisms. We are operating with a sense of urgency that if we fall into the mannerism that today is the same as yesterday and tomorrow will be the same as today, and close our eyes to the enemy's movements, our security will be defenseless."

The president then traveled to a picket, where he interacted with soldiers on the front lines. "I know that your welfare and living conditions are better than in the past, but I'm still concerned that it's not as easy for you to adapt and fulfill your mission as it is for the general population," the president said to applause, adding, "As commander-in-chief, I think I need to do a better job of making sure that you are able to maximize your combat power."

"Seeing your confident and dignified appearance made me think that this is true patriotism and love for the country, family and people," the president said, adding, "I am convinced that the older generation must responsibly open up your future, and that this country will be sustainable and develop further in the future because of you."

"Thank you again and I'm so happy to see you on the 75th Armed Forces Day," the president said, noting that the country's soldiers are serving the country during the holidays.