Following controversy over Defense Minister Kang Shin-chul's remarks questioning whether the U.S. military could be trusted if war broke out with North Korea, the Ministry of National Defense moved to clarify, explaining that his intent was to emphasize trust between South Korea and the United States.

When asked about the intent of Minister Kang's remarks during a regular briefing held at the defense ministry building today (October 27), Ministry Spokesperson Jeong Bit-na said, "The lawmaker (who questioned him) spoke to the effect that the United States is facing difficulties in a war between the U.S. and Iran, so he posed a counterquestion in response."

Spokesperson Jeong explained, "The intention was, 'Following the lawmaker's logic in evaluating a U.S.-Iran war, it sounds like we would not be able to trust the U.S. military either if war broke out with North Korea, but that is not the case.'" She added, "(The minister) immediately emphasized trust right after that, and looking at that helps clarify his intention."

She further remarked, "The minister has stressed the importance and trust of the South Korea-U.S. alliance since his days as a nominee, so I doubt he would have meant it that way."

Minister Kang's remarks came the previous day during his response to questions on the transition of wartime operational control (OPCON) posed by Representative Sung Il-jong of the People Power Party during a parliamentary audit by the National Assembly's National Defense Committee.

Rep. Sung pointed out, "Everyone wants self-reliant defense, and no one denies that. But amid changing trends, is it really possible for us?" He added, "Look at the United States and Iran. One might wonder if it could even be a match, yet (the conflict) has dragged on until now."

Minister Kang countered, "Then if war breaks out with North Korea, can such U.S. forces be trusted? That is not the case." He added, "Because that is not the case, with trust guaranteed, we seek to transition wartime operational control so that South Korean generals lead with familiar command, creating a system supported by U.S. forces."

(Photo: Yonhap News)