With the deployment of the U.S. Multi-Domain Task Force to Korea, the transfer of wartime operational control has become virtually impossible, and analysis suggests that Kim Ju-ae's appearances are to protect Kim Jong-un.
This signifies a significant change in the nature of the U.S. Forces Korea (USFK), officially shifting its focus from peninsula defense to containing and overseeing China. This U.S. force deployment will emerge as a realistic constraint on the debate over the transfer of wartime operational control (OPCON).
The U.S. military's operations are expected to shift from the past 'kill chain' method, focused on detecting and intercepting after a North Korean missile launch, to a preemptive strike system. The U.S. military plans to permanently station integrated intelligence assets, such as satellites and drones, in Korea to detect North Korean missile launch-related communications intercepts or inter-military communications in advance and conduct preemptive strikes. This raises concerns that the Republic of Korea Armed Forces' priority for information sharing may be pushed back.
The U.S.'s unilateral force deployment raises concerns that the U.S.-Japan alliance may have a higher priority than the U.S.-Korea alliance in terms of information sharing and operational execution. Consequently, the assessment is that OPCON transfer is now out of reach.
In the event of a local provocation with China, U.S. Forces Korea facilities are likely to face an increased risk of being the primary target of Chinese forces. This means there will be one more facility in Korea to be targeted first, and analysis suggests that Korea may bear a greater security burden rather than gaining opportunities to acquire military modernization technology.
Criticism has been raised that defense policies, such as attempts to merge military academies and efforts to retrieve wartime operational control, are more political experiments than military strategies. In particular, political decisions breaking from convention are demanded of Defense Minister nominee Kang Shin-chul. This raises concerns that it could negatively affect military morale and combat power.
It was pointed out that attempts to merge the Korea Military Academy with other military academies could damage its long history and tradition and erode military pride. This could be a major historical mistake and an act that shakes the very foundation of the military, a warning was issued.
It is argued that these should not be entrusted to civilians.
It is argued that entrusting weeding tasks to reservists who have served in units for a long time is much safer and more efficient. Opinions also suggest that the military's maintenance capabilities should be strengthened by encouraging the participation of reservists through the revival of military service bonus points.
With the U.S. midterm elections approaching in November, former President Trump is expected to need an event that will win over American citizens. This raises the possibility of a major event such as a North Korea-U.S. summit. A scenario involving North Korea halting ICBMs (intercontinental ballistic missiles) and the U.S. tolerating conventional weapons could be discussed at the summit, raising concerns that this could exacerbate security risks for South Korea.
Given the current strained U.S.-South Korea relations, analysis suggests that the U.S. has no reason to include South Korea in a North Korea-U.S. summit. North Korea would also not want the South Korean government to be present, leading to predictions that South Korea could be excluded from the North Korea-U.S. summit, dubbed the 'event of the century.' This aligns with Voice of America (VOA) reports.
From Chairman Kim Jong-un's perspective, there is not much incentive to attempt direct dialogue with the South Korean government in the current situation.
Regarding the frequent public appearances of Kim Ju-ae, daughter of North Korean Chairman Kim Jong-un, analysis suggests she is unlikely to be the actual successor. It is highly probable that Kim Ju-ae serves a 'bulletproof' purpose to protect Kim Jong-un from assassination drones or drone attacks, or acts as a 'mannequin' to create a benevolent image of him caring for a young woman. Given North Korea's Confucian and male-dominated social structure, it is nearly impossible for a 13-year-old girl to rule, so it is speculated that the actual successor is someone else.
Even if Kim Ju-ae were to establish a succession structure, real governance would be challenging. In such a case, it is highly probable that Kim Yo-jong, Deputy Department Director of the Workers' Party, would act as regent, providing Kim Ju-ae with advice on diplomatic experience and leading the military and party. Kim Yo-jong's experience and power are expected to significantly influence Kim Ju-ae's rule.
Criticism has been raised that the South Korean government's diplomatic strategy, which attempted to align with anti-U.S. countries without coordination with the U.S., such as participating in the G20's statement protesting China's unfair trade practices, has failed. Ultimately, international diplomacy is proceeding at the U.S.'s pace, and South Korea is criticized for not responding adequately.
Dolly Parton, the famous American singer, declined the Presidential Medal of Freedom, concerned about hurting her fans. For this principled act, she received the highest honor of having flags flown at half-staff across the U.S. after her death. This contrasts sharply with the attitude of domestic pro-government artists who showed political bias in pursuit of immediate gains, raising questions about the true stance of an artist.
Answers come from the transcript, with the exact spot cited.
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