KORGAD Condemns the Moon Administration’s Decision to Withdraw from the ROK-Japan GSOMIA and the Destructive Handling of the Alliance

2019-8-30, An official statement by KORGAD (Korea Retired Generals and Admirals Defending the Nation)

We, members of KORGAD, express deep regret about the Moon administration’s shortsighted decision to abolish the (Republic of Korea) ROK-Japan GSOMIA (General Security of Military Information Agreement) on 22 August 2019, and request withdrawal of the decision once again. At the same time, we inveigh against its suicidal alliance management following the decision related to the GSOMIA, and announce our stance as follows:

First, for the United States that regards the robust ROK-U.S.-Japan trilateral security cooperation as a linchpin of the Indo-Pacific strategy and vital to peace and stability of Northeast Asia, expressing its disappointment over the Moon administration’s ill-advised GSOMIA decision and its concern over the Seoul government’s measures worsening the bilateral relations between its two allies was both reasonable and necessary. However, the ROK Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the U.S. Ambassador Harry Harris and protested Washington’s stance and disclosed the meeting to the public. We, believing that such an action ignores the basic principles of alliance as well as the stark security realities surrounding the country, strongly denounce the Moon administration’s improper and self-destructive handling  of the alliance.

Second, we appeal to the governments, people, and experts of the U.S., Japan, and other friendly countries. Seoul’s policies and measures destroying the nation’s security, alliance and diplomacy including the bungled GSOMIA decision and the undiplomatic behavior were deliberately perpetrated by the ill-motivated Moon administration, thus not reflecting the will of most South Korean people. The majority of South Koreans do not support the traitorous decisions initiated by the Moon administration and its cohorts. Therefore, we cordially urge the governments and people of the U.S., Japan, and all other friendly countries to support and encourage patriotic South Koreans. We always appreciate the alliance for providing us with a security shield that has made our national survival and prosperity possible, and we will do our utmost for its longevity.

Third, we urge some policymakers at the Ministry of National Defense, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Blue House to stop treasonous collaboration with any unpatriotic people or policies purposefully destroying the alliance. We recommend them not to forget that every political power is destined to be short-lived while its nation and people should continue to exist, and to be afraid of being recorded as “public servants without souls” in history books. (end of the statement)

About Korean Retired Generals and Admirals Defending the Nation (KORGAD)

KORGAD was established on January 30, 2019, as a non-profit, non-partisan, and private NGO concerned about national security. Its establishment was directly prompted by the Inter-Korean Military Agreement signed on September 19, 2018, which is believed to undermine the security capabilities of the ROK Armed Forces and threaten the ROK-U.S. Alliance that has provided the nation with a shield for security and prosperity. Its membership comprises some 850 patriotic South Korean retired generals and admirals including 8 former Defense Ministers and some 40 former four-star generals and civilian experts, and about 500 honorary members. KORGAD, neither incorporated in or an agent of any government and/or a foreign principal, is solely supported by voluntary contributions of its members and strives to provide public services and enlighten the people pro bono publico in the area of national defense and security.