 |
| Visitors look at a sculpture at the War Memorial of Korea in Seoul, June 25, the 72nd anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War. Yonhap |
Prime Minister Han Duck-soo vowed a stern response to any North Korean provocation, Saturday, as the nation observed the 72nd anniversary of the outbreak of the 1950-53 Korean War.
In a speech during a ceremony marking the anniversary, he said the North's recent missile launches and nuclear weapon test preparations have escalated tensions beyond the Korean Peninsula and are posing a threat to international peace.
 |
| Prime Minister Han Duck-soo delivers a speech during a ceremony to mark the 72nd anniversary of the outbreak of the 1950-53 Korean War in Seoul, June 25. Yonhap |
"The government will strengthen its defensive posture based on the firm alliance between South Korea and the U.S., and respond swiftly and sternly using all means necessary," he said.
"The government will never forget that peace can only be achieved on the basis of strong defense and security," Han said.
South Korea will also seek diplomatic efforts to gain cooperation from the international community to achieve peace on the peninsula, and to provide humanitarian assistance to the North, he added.
Han expressed gratitude to the veterans of the Korean War and pledged to protect the Korean Peninsula on its path toward peace and prosperity just like the veterans who fought for the freedom of the country. (Yonhap)
![[INTERVIEW] Ex-NIS chief urges politicians to stop misusing spy agency](https://img.koreatimes.co.kr/upload/thumbnailV2/59da8df88faa4a50ad42945501b03bca.jpg/dims/resize/178/optimize)
![[REVIEW] Musical 'Monte Cristo' returns with riveting tale of vengeance, love](https://img.koreatimes.co.kr/upload/thumbnailV2/3934be1fa6844478b619a015d610bc5b.jpg/dims/resize/178/optimize)
![[INTERVIEW] Meet the man behind giant rubber ducks that once took over Seoul](https://img.koreatimes.co.kr/upload/thumbnailV2/df32c60c8204448e98ccdb9841366bec.jpg/dims/resize/178/optimize)
