Moon calls for watertight defense posture over N. Korea's weapons testing

Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Won In-choul speaks at a luncheon meeting of the country's military leaders hosted by President Moon Jae-in at Cheong Wa Dae, April 29. Yonhap

Outgoing President Moon Jae-in called for the military to maintain a watertight defense posture Friday, expressing concerns that North Korea's continued testing of weapons may put the Korean Peninsula back into a crisis as incoming President Yoon Suk-yeol takes office.

Moon, who is set to leave office May 9, made the remarks at a luncheon meeting with high-ranking military officials, Cheong Wa Dae said in a statement.

"Given various signs shown by North Korea, including the recent launch of an ICBM, the crisis on the Korean Peninsula could become severe again," Moon told the military officials.

Moon said North Korea may revive its old pattern of brinkmanship, as shown in 2017 when it launched ICBMs and conducted a nuclear weapons test, at a time of power transition in South Korea.

"I hope our military maintains a watertight defense posture to dispel such concerns," Moon said.

So far this year, North Korea has conducted 13 missile launches, including that of an ICBM, March 24, ending its self-imposed four-year moratorium on long-range missile testing.

Earlier this week, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un declared his resolve to further strengthen his regime's nuclear arsenal, as Pyongyang showcased a "giant" ICBM at a military parade.

North Korea has also shown signs it may be preparing to resume conducting nuclear tests. (Yonhap)