Lee Chides Military, Indicates Restructuring

By Na Jeong-ju

Staff Reporter

President Lee Myung-bak criticized the military Wednesday for becoming lax regarding North Korea, which remains dangerous and unpredictable, saying soldiers should keep in mind that they are confronting the world's most hostile country.

This was his latest remark indicating the need to enhance the military's risk management capabilities and for a reshuffle of top military personnel amid speculation that the sinking of the Navy vessel Cheonan last month, near the inter-Korean sea border, was the result of a North Korean attack.

The military has come under fire for its poor initial response to the naval disaster, which claimed the lives of 38 sailors and has left eight others missing.

"I worry that the military has become a bit too relaxed as six decades have passed since the division of South and North Korea," Lee said during a meeting with the Presidential Council on Regional Development at Cheong Wa Dae.

"Most people are oblivious to the fact that there are North Korean troops armed with long-range artillery just 40 miles away."

Calling North Korea the most confrontational country in the world, Lee said the Cheonan incident was a reminder that the country should remain focused on ensuring national security.

He stressed that Seoul should consider the tragedy as a way to enhance public awareness of security threats.

During a meeting with religious leaders later, Lee warned of social conflicts and division, saying the country should unite together to cope with the incident.

"I think there should be a single unified voice with regard to a national security issue. National security comes before any partisan, religious and ideological interests," he said.

He invited the leaders from Christian, Buddhist, Catholic and Confucian communities and indigenous Korean religions to appeal for national unity and get advice on social issues, presidential spokeswoman Kim Eun-hye said.