Army Chief Kim Kyu-ha stated that during the 'Ulchi Freedom Shield' (UFS) simulation training in August, which assumed a real war scenario, North Korean forces advanced close to Seoul. He responded to criticism by saying, "We trained assuming the worst-case scenario."
According to Yonhap News, Kim made these remarks on the 19th during a national audit session of the Army Headquarters held by the National Defense Committee at Gyeryongdae. He emphasized, "Joint exercises are conducted with various scenarios in mind," adding, "This was based on hypothetical situations, not a reflection of actual military capabilities failing."
Rep. Seong Il-jong of the People Power Party criticized the UFS simulation, noting that it showed North Korean forces breaching defenses in Paju and Goyang, advancing near Seoul. He questioned, "How can we discuss the transfer of wartime operational control with such results?"
The UFS allows for operational outcomes to be assessed through computer simulations. Reports indicate that the commander of the Army's Ground Operations Command, a four-star general, led ground defense operations, resulting in North Korean forces penetrating through U.S.-South Korean joint forces to within several kilometers of Seoul.
Lieutenant General Lee Sang-ryul, commander of the Ground Operations Command, also attended the audit, stating, "Joint exercises are conducted with various training scenarios," and added, "The more challenging and difficult scenarios we can present, the better. This helps us develop the capability to overcome them from the outset." He noted that while there were stronger North Korean forces infiltrating toward the capital region in this scenario, they were ultimately repelled.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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