Defense minister stresses 'immediate' readiness after arms protocol lapse

"Your immediate readiness posture is the most powerful force that protects the Republic of Korea," Ahn was quoted as saying by the ministry. He instructed the forces to maintain full readiness and respond "firmly and reflexively" if a situation arises.

The minister's visit occurred after the Army's 1st Corps was found to have allowed its soldiers to serve guard duties with unloaded weapons to minimize accidental discharges. The corps commander has since been relieved of duty over the lax practice.

Ahn also visited a border security unit under the 5th division, calling on troops to maintain a "flawless" readiness posture. Following his visits to border posts, he observed a guard operations center based on artificial intelligence (AI) and multi-legged robots performing reconnaissance and surveillance missions.