In the photo taken on April 26, 2019, South Korean and U.S. soldiers walk toward the inter-Korean truce village of Panmunjom, north of Seoul. (Pool photo) (Yonhap)
SEOUL, July 26 (Korea Bizwire) — The U.S.-led United Nations Command (UNC), an institution established to ensure the implementation of the 1953 armistice agreement, is overcoming its previous feeble reputation and expanding its role.
When five North Korean unmanned drones infiltrated South Korean airspace last year, Seoul responded by sending drones into the North’s territory.
In the meantime, the UNC did no more than release a statement stating that both Koreas violated the armistice agreement, due to the lack of means for sanctions.
During the Moon Jae-in administration, the UNC’s presence was hardly felt.
“It is true that the previous government did not admit Denmark and Germany, two nations that provided medical support to South Korea during the Korean War, into the UNC,” the defense ministry said during a recent briefing.
This indicates that the previous government attempted to undermine the roles and responsibilities of the countries that supported South Korea during the war.
In a situation where the UNC’s presence seems to be fading, an attempt is being made to revitalize its role.
The United States has been expanding the UNC’s organization, staff, and function since 2014.
It believes that once wartime control is returned to South Korea, the UNC may assume the role and responsibilities of U.S. Forces Korea (USFK).
In addition, in 2018, the UNC designated a non-U.S., foreign general as deputy commander for the first time, as part of the effort to build the UNC into a multinational military organization.
In wartime, the role of the UNC becomes critical.
Using the UNC’s rear bases in Japan, various troops, equipment, and supplies for the U.S. and other foreign military forces can be swiftly shipped to the Korean peninsula.
Col. Isaac Taylor, spokesperson for the USFK, expressed gratitude to the South Korean forces, the U.S. forces, the UNC, the Combined Forces Command, its backup forces, civilian members, and the delegations of the sending states ahead of this year’s first combined military exercise.
Through the U.S. Forces and the Combined Forces Command, efforts are being made to strengthen the presence of the UNC.
H. M. Kang (hmkang@koreabizwire.com)
