Kim Dong-yeon: "Gyeonggi Province is a Security Breakwater Protecting Korea"

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Kim Kap-dong] Governor Kim Dong-yeon of Gyeonggi Province said on the 18th, the first day of the Ulchi Exercise, "Gyeonggi Province is a security breakwater protecting Korea," urging training equivalent to real combat operations.

Governor Kim stated at the '2025 Ulchi Exercise Initial Situation Report Meeting' held in the morning at the Wartime Integrated Situation Room of Gyeonggi Provincial Government, "This is the first Ulchi Exercise under the new administration. I am pleased that the efforts Gyeonggi Province has made to ease tensions in the border region continue under the new administration, with an atmosphere of tension easing such as the removal of loudspeakers and the suspension of propaganda broadcasts," while emphasizing that "one unchanging fact is that regardless of which administration, strong security is the foundation for people's livelihoods and peace."

He continued, "Security conditions are unstable due to various international conflicts occurring in Russia, Ukraine, and the Middle East, and the security situation on the Korean Peninsula remains grave. Our eight cities and counties within the province are border areas, and we have played the role of a security breakwater protecting Korea. In case of emergency, Gyeonggi Province's swift response means protecting Korea."

Governor Kim said, "Last year, we called up one-tenth of all provincial government employees for emergency mobilization, but this year we expanded it to all employees. Regarding wartime agenda items, we have also adapted to current circumstances by establishing an anti-drone defense system and providing medical support in case of chemical and biological weapon damage," and added, "Protecting the lives and safety of residents is also important security, not just military security. Please make sure that during this opportunity, you can also strengthen crisis response capabilities in normal times."

He further stated, "While protecting security and the lives of citizens, I ask that Gyeonggi Province align with the government's direction of patiently moving forward one step, then two steps, in the journey for peace, and do your utmost in this exercise."

The Ulchi Exercise is a national emergency preparedness drill conducted nationwide across all government departments to protect citizens' lives and property in case of national emergencies such as war or terrorism.

The province will conduct emergency mobilization of civil servants, wartime organization training, and population movement drills for border residents on the 18th. On the 19th, it will conduct an integrated defense drill for chemical and biological response as the actual training at the provincial level at Suwon Sports Complex, and on the 20th, it will conduct nationwide civil defense drills for air raid preparedness.

During civil defense drills, when air raid sirens sound, residents should evacuate to the nearest shelters, subway stations, underground parking lots, or underground spaces in large buildings. Vehicles traveling on some controlled road sections should stop following directions from traffic guidance personnel and listen to the radio.