Military Nixes New Command Proposal

The South Korean military has decided against a proposed strategic command focused on North Korean nuclear and missile threats, reports the Yonhap news agency (Seoul).

The defense ministry is considering giving that responsibility to a new division under the Joint Chiefs of Staff, an official said on Tuesday. 

President Moon Jae In pledged to establish such a command during his 2017 campaign.

Following a review, the defense ministry found the proposal could hinder efficiency due to overlapping functions with existing units. 

Experts said the decision could also be related to Seoul's efforts to reduce military tensions with the North. 

The command was envisioned as part of Seoul's three-axis deterrence and defense system, which consists of the Korea Air and Missile Defense system (KAMD), the Kill Chain pre-emptive strike capabilities and a plan to incapacitate North Korean leadership.