Wi Sung-lac: “Restore severed inter-Korean dialogue ... swiftly regain wartime operational control”

[Financial News] National Security Office Director Wi Sung-lac said on the 29th, regarding the situation on the Korean Peninsula, “We will continue efforts to ease tensions and build trust between the two Koreas while working to restore dialogue that has been severed.” He also stressed, “We will swiftly regain wartime operational control and push to acquire advanced military capabilities, including nuclear-powered submarines.”
In his opening remarks at the National Assembly Steering Committee’s parliamentary audit that day, Wi said, “Our goal of resolving tensions between the two Koreas and realizing peace in which there is no need to fight will never waver,” making the remarks above.
Wi described the international situation as “a grave, complex crisis,” citing the prolonged crisis in the Middle East, military cooperation between Russia and North Korea, and North Korea’s advances in its nuclear and missile capabilities. Regarding the landmine explosion during an operation in the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) last month, he said, “We are responding by taking the necessary measures in accordance with clear principles.”
He also emphasized his role in resuming U.S.-North Korea dialogue. Wi said, “I will continue to serve as a pace-setter for U.S.-North Korea dialogue,” adding, “As President Donald Trump has expressed his willingness to engage in dialogue, I will do my part to ensure that this momentum leads to actual talks.”
He added, “Alongside dialogue among the parties to establish a peace regime, we will move toward practical, phased progress on denuclearization through suspension, reduction and dismantlement.”
He said the government would also pursue self-reliant defense and strengthen the South Korea-U.S. alliance. Wi stressed, “Peace can endure only on the foundation of strong security,” adding, “The government will realize self-reliant defense and strengthen its leading defense capabilities.”
He said that, under an agreement reached by the South Korean and U.S. leaders last year, the first consultations on nuclear-powered submarines and cooperation on enrichment and reprocessing were held in Seoul last June. In the economic sphere, he said the first project for investment in the United States had been finalized, putting implementation of the tariff agreement on track, and added, “We will work harder to achieve tangible results.”
On military structure and force reform, Wi said, “We will transition to an AI-based integrated manned-unmanned combat system, pursue the introduction of a selective voluntary military service system and the establishment of a National Military Academy, and improve the treatment of service members to build a smart, elite, strong military.” He added, “We will strengthen the military’s democratic and institutional foundations and support the K-defense industry in becoming a core national flagship industry.”
On economic security, he said, “We will strengthen supply chain management so that we can communicate closely with industry and detect risks early and respond proactively.” He explained that the government would expand stockpiles of critical minerals such as rare earths and promote resource recycling, while also working to protect national core technologies through measures including rigorous investigations and penalties for technology leaks.
On responding to cyber threats, he said, “We will accelerate the development of AI models that enhance security and shift the national cyber response system to an AI-based one so we can respond seamlessly to evolving threats.”

[email protected] Seong Seok-woo Reporter