Defense minister stresses 'immediate' readiness after arms protocol lapse

Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back urged an immediate readiness posture for South Korean armed forces on Thursday, following an arms protocol lapse at a corps-level unit. The minister inspected the operational readiness of firearms at a watch post of the 5th Infantry Division, which safeguards the central front along the inter-Korean border.

Ahn emphasized that the forces' immediate readiness is the most potent force protecting the Republic of Korea, according to the ministry. He instructed the troops to remain fully ready and respond firmly and reflexively if any situation arises, as reported by the ministry.

Ahn's visit followed the discovery that the 1st Corps, a crucial front-line unit, had allowed its soldiers to serve guard duties while armed with unloaded weapons to prevent accidental discharges. As a result, the corps commander has been removed from duty due to his lax practices. During his visit, Ahn also toured a border security unit under the 5th division and urged the troops to maintain their readiness.