Minister Ahn Kyubaek: "There Will Be No Establishment of UNC Security Brigade"
No Launch Ceremony Planned for UNC's Internal Reorganization
The United Nations Command (UNC) is reportedly moving to establish a new brigade, by consolidating its subordinate units, to take charge of security at the Joint Security Area (JSA) in Panmunjom and oversee the implementation of the Armistice Agreement.
According to United States Forces Korea on August 14, the UNC has been working to establish what is tentatively called the "Security and Armistice Enforcement Brigade," by integrating the JSA security battalion and other entities such as the Military Armistice Commission, which is responsible for monitoring the implementation of the Armistice Agreement and granting access to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). It has been reported that the chief secretary (colonel) of the Military Armistice Commission would head the brigade. However, the UNC stated that the creation of the brigade is being pursued solely as part of an internal organizational restructuring.
A UNC official explained, "The current plan only reflects an internal reorganization of existing resources," adding, "This initiative aims to improve command and control (C2), coordination, and support systems while maintaining the responsibilities of the United Nations Command as established by the 1953 Armistice Agreement." The UNC further stated, "We have continuously informed our Korean partners of all aspects during the entire review process."
Minister of National Defense Ahn Kyubaek dismissed concerns that there had been no consultation with the United States regarding the UNC's organizational restructuring. Meeting with reporters at the Ministry of National Defense later that day, Minister Ahn said, "We mutually agreed not to proceed with the establishment and ceremony of the UNC Security Brigade," and when asked whether this meant the formation itself would be canceled, he replied, "Yes." Although he declined to specify when he last met with Commander Brunson, he said, "We meet and communicate frequently."
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The Ministry of National Defense stated on the same day, "We cannot verify the detailed consultation issues between the Republic of Korea and UNC," but also clarified that reports of the brigade already being established are not correct. This suggests that, after discussions, they have decided not to proceed with the creation of the brigade. However, since the UNC maintains that the plan to form the brigade has not been withdrawn and remains ongoing, it is possible that this issue could become another point of contention or a matter of dispute regarding the facts between South Korea and the United States.
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