President Lee: "With the Resolve of Daeho Kim Jong-seo, We Will Achieve Self-Reliant National Defense"

President Lee Jae-myung attended the launching ceremony for the Republic of Korea Navy's latest Aegis destroyer, the 'Daeho Kim Jong-seo,' stating, "With the resolve embodied in the Daeho Kim Jong-seo, we will move forward to the end toward realizing a South Korea with self-reliant national defense."

In a congratulatory address at the launching ceremony today (September 30), President Lee recalled, "Nineteen years ago, right here at Mipo Bay in Ulsan, the Republic of Korea Navy's first Aegis destroyer, the King Sejong the Great, set sail vigorously into the sea."

He continued, "President Roh Moo-hyun, who once stood at this podium, said, 'I had a speech well prepared, but my heart is so overwhelmed with emotion that I can hardly read it properly.' Standing before this proud warship that will steadfastly defend our seas, I feel I can somewhat understand that emotion and those words."

President Lee emphasized, "There were times when we borrowed (warships). There were also times when we bought and used them," adding, "However, our Republic of Korea has now become a country that designs, builds, and operates world-class warships entirely on its own."

He added, "We must defend our seas with our own strength. The same goes for our skies and land."

President Lee pointed out, "Security that relies on the strength of others is shaken when that country's circumstances or situation change. This is a reality we are already witnessing even at this very moment."

He stressed, "Only when we can defend ourselves can we determine our own future. Self-reliant national defense is sovereignty itself," pledging, "With that resolve embodied in the Daeho Kim Jong-seo, we will move forward to the end toward realizing a South Korea with self-reliant national defense."

President Lee also addressed the advancement of South Korea's shipbuilding industry, pledging, "We will actively support our shipbuilding industry so that it can maintain its super-gap lead and stand tall at an even higher level."

Regarding the defense industry, he said, "We will reduce complicated procedures, expand support, and ensure that new technologies are deployed into service as quickly as possible," adding, "We will actively support exports and overseas cooperation so that our defense technologies can reach across the globe and become a new engine of livelihood for our people."

The 'Daeho Kim Jong-seo' was named by combining the moniker 'Daeho' (Great Tiger) with the name of General Kim Jong-seo, who pioneered the six northern border outposts during the reign of King Sejong the Great and embodies a strong image of self-reliant national defense.

The Daeho Kim Jong-seo is the sixth vessel marking the completion of the project to build six domestic Aegis destroyers, which began 19 years ago with the 'King Sejong the Great.'

Around 350 people attended today's launching ceremony, including President Lee and First Lady Kim Hye-kyung, officials from the government, the National Assembly, and local governments, as well as executives and employees of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries.

(Photo: Cheong Wa Dae Press Photo Pool, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.