(Unofficial Translation)

The 57th graduating cadets, the “White Qilin,” of the Korea Army Academy at Yeongcheon, 

I have become the first President in 12 years to visit the Korea Army Academy at Yeongcheon to give encouragement to you who have achieved astounding accomplishments. All of you have been reborn as young officers armed with both literary and martial skills after completing arduous military training and academic courses. I am proud of your graduation and commissioning and extend my congratulations. A group of 477 elite officers with a steely and commanding presence have come to stand tall as members of the Republic of Korea Armed Forces. 

The COVID-19 pandemic must have made your life as cadets even harder. You probably missed your family and friends the most in the first year of the cadet program. Still, not a single visit from them was allowed. However, you have pulled through by encouraging one another. I commend the hard work of Superintendent Ko Chang-jun and the faculty members who have remarkably instructed the cadets despite unfavorable conditions. I would like to extend my congratulations and gratitude to the cadets’ families who have provided solid support for their taking on challenges.

New young officers, 

Your shoulders shine with the proud tradition of Chungseongdae – a place where young warriors of the ancient Silla Kingdom cultivated their minds and bodies and fostered their dream of unifying the three kingdoms. This is also where countless young people risked their lives to defend the Nakdonggang River Defense Line during the Korean War. On this site imbued with the souls of guardian spirits, the Korea Third Military Academy, now the Korea Army Academy at Yeongcheon, was founded in 1968. About 158,000 officers produced by the Academy have safeguarded the country and the security of the people with a strong sense of duty.

Now it is your turn. I order you to fulfill to the fullest your mission of safeguarding the country while exercising the military skills and professional expertise honed and learned under the school motto “homeland, honor, loyal valor” as well as a faithful and valiant spirit. 

New young officers, 

The peace and prosperity that we enjoy today have been achieved on the foundation of strong security. The driving force that turned the North Korean nuclear crisis into a dialogue phase and enabled us to push the peace process on the Korean Peninsula was a mighty defense capability.

Korea is the country with the heaviest security burden in the world. For now, the top security priority is to deter war between the two Koreas, but the geopolitical situation itself on the Korean Peninsula always remains a grave security environment from a broader and longer-term perspective.

We must have the power to protect ourselves under any circumstances. With the international order fluctuating and conflicts between major powers becoming manifest, the security environment is rapidly changing worldwide. The economy and security are becoming inseparable, and non-conventional security threats such as new cross-border terrorism are on the rise. With the world’s sixth-strongest national defense capability, our military is now evolving into a state-of-the-art scientific and technological force through Defense Reform 2.0.

Our early warning aircraft, Aegis destroyers and high-powered radar are monitoring security conditions around the Korean Peninsula in real time. In addition, we are strengthening our high-precision strike capabilities to brace for an emergency, including supersonic cruise missiles, high-yield ballistic missiles and F-35A combat jets. Last year, we had a rollout ceremony for a KF-21 Boramae prototype – the 8th country in the world to manufacture an advanced supersonic fighter jet – and became the 7th country in the world to succeed in firing submarine-launched ballistic missiles. 

Recently, North Korea has tested missile launches one after another. However, we have superior missile capabilities and defense abilities and are firmly building a Korean-style Iron Dome and missile defense system that will prevent any threats in an airtight manner.

The goal of our Army is to become a future-oriented mighty combat force by implementing Vision 2030. “Army Tiger 4.0,” a combat system which uses Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies, will be deployed, and reconnaissance drones and artificial intelligence will analyze a war situation to attack an enemy with armed drones and unmanned vehicles. Our Army is also expanding its “Warrior Platform” that maximizes combat and operational capabilities by applying cutting-edge technologies even to personal weapons in addition to bulletproof helmets and vests.

The young officers here are the main players in the operation of new combat systems and strategies. I hope you will become the best military experts at the forefront of building a “top-notch army that overcomes limits.” I also hope that you will be key players to protect and create peace on the Korean Peninsula with a responsible national defense that is commensurate with our national and military powers. 

New young officers,

The late First Lieutenant Cha Seong-do, a member of the Korea Army Academy’s first class, threw himself onto a grenade and saved all of his platoon members. The late Captain Park Chun-tae, a member of the 13th class of the Korea Army Academy, lost his life while rescuing a scout who stepped on a landmine. They are leaders who demonstrated what true commanders are all about with the spirit of sacrificing oneself. I ask you to put those under your command before yourself and to become leaders who lead by example. You should cherish the value of each and every person and demonstrate leadership based on communication and inclusiveness.

True comradeship grows when you care for and show consideration for each other.

A strong military is complete when all men and women in uniform are united as one in solid comradeship. Let us work together to create an advanced barracks culture where human rights are respected so that all military personnel ranging from commanders to rank-and-file soldiers can stand together with pride and self-esteem.

Fellow Koreans, proud young officers,

The Korea Army Academy at Yeongcheon is the world’s only military academy open exclusively to transfer students who have completed at least two years of college. Before they gathered in Chungseongdae, the cadets had nurtured professionalism in their respective fields of study and gained a variety of social experiences. Among the 57th class commissioned today, seven graduates have already been assigned three different service numbers as they have served as rank-and-file soldiers and non-commissioned officers.

Instead of a comfortable and relaxed life, all of you have chosen a life dedicated to our homeland and the people. It is by no means an easy path, but if you do not forget the passion that heated up the training field of Chungseongdae and move forward without fear, it will be a path that brings you honor and a sense of fulfillment. Your country will reciprocate. 

It must have been the extraordinary spirit of taking on a challenge and passionate patriotism that united cadets with distinct personalities. Just as you endured the arduous life of cadets over the past two years together, I hope that you will continue to drive each other on whenever difficulties arise going forward. The people will also send strong support. I wish you all the glory in your future.

Thank you.