Lee says self-reliant national defense is sovereignty itself

President Lee Jae Myung emphasized on Wednesday that self-reliant national defense represents true sovereignty for the country. The president made this statement during a televised event in Ulsan, located about 310 kilometers southeast of Seoul, to inaugurate the third and final ship of the 8,200-ton Aegis destroyer fleet, known as the ROKS Daeho Kim Jong Seo.

This destroyer was named after a general from the Joseon era and represents the final vessel in South Korea's plan to construct six indigenous Aegis-equipped destroyers, as outlined by the presidential office.

Leader Lee highlighted the vulnerability of national security that depends on foreign power. He argued that such a system is prone to instability when the country's circumstances or environment undergo changes. Lee firmly asserted that self-reliant national defense is the epitome of sovereignty. He underscored that when South Korea can defend itself independently, it gains the ability to shape its future.

The president celebrated the launch of the Aegis ship, asserting that South Korea now possesses the capability to design and manufacture world-class military vessels independently, marking a significant milestone.