On January 16, 2026, President Lee Jae-myung held a ceremony to award insignias and receive reports from newly promoted generals. The event brought together key military leaders to reaffirm the significance of national security. President Lee engaged in a cordial conversation with the promotees, discussing the military’s role and responsibilities in depth. Such ceremonies play a vital role in boosting morale and strengthening unity within the armed forces.
A total of 20 officers attended the ceremony, including Park Sung-je, Commander of the Special Warfare Command, Park Kyu-baek, Superintendent of the Naval Academy, and Kim Jun-ho, Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency. These individuals were recognized for their outstanding capabilities in their respective fields. The event was officially announced by Kim Nam-jun, spokesperson for the Blue House. The ceremony was held solemnly at the Blue House.
During the conversation, President Lee urged the military to do its utmost to regain the trust of the people as the nation’s armed forces. He repeatedly emphasized the importance of self-reliant defense and encouraged pride in Korea’s military capabilities. The attendees expressed gratitude for the President’s encouragement and reaffirmed their commitment to national security. This interaction further solidified trust between the military and the government.
The government plans to continue supporting the military’s professionalism and self-reliant defense capabilities. This ceremony is expected to have a positive impact on the morale and pride of the armed forces. Efforts to restore public trust in the military are likely to be strengthened. Achieving self-reliant defense and maintaining robust national security are emerging as key priorities for the future.
This article highlights the significance of leadership changes in the military and the renewed focus on self-reliant defense as a national agenda. President Lee’s message underscores the social value of restoring public trust and enhancing communication between the military and citizens. Future policies aimed at military innovation and professionalism are expected to play a crucial role in strengthening both national security and the broader trust framework within society.