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2mo ago

Lee Chairs Integrated Defense Council, Stresses Self-Reliant Defense

The session responded to rising external risk from the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, with reported Strait of Hormuz disruptions weighing on security planning.

President Lee Jae Myung (C) visits a car parts plant in the central city of Daejeon on March 23, 2026, to inspect damage caused by a large-scale fire the previous day. (Pool photo) (Yonhap)
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President Lee Jae Myung (L) speaks during an integrated security meeting at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on March 23, 2026. (Pool photo) (Yonhap)
President Lee Jae Myung speaks during an integrated security meeting held at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on March 23, 2026. (Pool photo) (Yonhap)

Overview

  • President Lee Jae Myung presided over the Central Integrated Defense Council for the first time since taking office in June 2025.
  • Lee said South Korea must be able to defend itself without outside assistance, citing superior conventional strength, defense outlays about 1.4 times North Korea’s GDP, and a fifth-place Global Firepower ranking.
  • The Joint Chiefs briefed on the national defense framework, the Interior Ministry assessed civil-defense readiness, and the National Intelligence Service outlined its outlook on North Korea.
  • Participants reviewed contingency responses for large-scale explosions at gas or oil storage and refinery facilities that could cause significant casualties and economic damage.
  • The meeting took place as the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran entered its fourth week and President Donald Trump pressed Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and Cheong Wa Dae denied a report that National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac planned a Washington visit.