Paper Questions Korean Defense Policy

Some analysts feel that the Military Reform Plan 2020 written up by the Ministry of National Defense could weaken Korea’s ability to respond to attacks from the North.

Bruce Bennett, who works for the Rand Corporation, a U.S. security think-tank, expressed this opinion in a paper titled: “A Study on South Korea’s Military Reform Plan 2020,” that he submitted to lawmaker Hwang Jin-ha of the Grand National Party on December 30.

In his report, Bennett said, “Considering the threat posed by North Korea’s weapons of mass destruction, including nuclear and biochemical weapons, Korea may not be able to reach its goal of becoming self-reliant in defense with its current reforms.”

He predicts that at least 400,000 to 500,000 ground troops will have to be stationed in the North for several years after a North Korean collapse or a possible North-South unification scenario. He analyzed that unless new strategies are developed, this unsettling situation could put the South Korean army in danger in 2020.

Sang-Ho Yun ysh1005@donga.com