On the morning of the 7th, President Yoon Seok-yeol received reports from 18 lieutenant generals, including new Marine Corps commander Kim Gye-hwan, at the Presidential Office in Yongsan and awarded the three-point sword.
The three-pointed sword given to those promoted to brigadier general symbolizes the three spirits of national defense, unification, and prosperity by uniting the three armies of the land, sea, and air.
Afterwards, those promoted to lieutenant general will be awarded a numerical value engraved with the position, rank, name, and president's name on the previously awarded three-pointed sword.
President Yoon said in a briefing that "national security is more serious than ever," and that "people's livelihood and economy do not exist without thorough security and trust."
President Yoon emphasized, "For our economy to grow, security risks must be eliminated."
"North Korea has nuclear weapons, but we must completely overwhelm them with conventional forces," he said.
(Photo = Presidential Office Photo Reporters, Yonhap News)