International journal of Military Affairs

Purpose: This article comprehensively diagnoses the changes in the defense environment confronting the Lee Jae-myung administration and proposes specific directions for a future-oriented military structure reform policy that should be pursued within its term. Method: This qualitative and empirical study involved comprehensively analyzing and evaluating the changes in the defense environment facing the Lee Jae-myung administration by reviewing relevant prior research, laws, directives, and press releases, and then specifically presenting the direction of military structure reform policy that should be pursued within its term. Results: The Administration's military structure reform policy can only achieve substantial enhancement of combat power and prepare for future warfare if three core reform tasks – optimization of military structure, transition of the Army's border surveillance mission, and rapid operationalization of Manned-Unmanned Team (MUM-T) systems – are pursued simultaneously as an integrated policy package. Conclusion: This study proposed specific and implementable policy directions for future-oriented military structure reform to be pursued within the administration's term. Further research is needed to address additional military structure reform tasks, such as the transition of wartime operational control, arising from changes in the defense environment and not covered in this article.

Purpose: This study assumes that a series of events—including the North Korean regime's continued nuclear weapons development amidst uncertainty, the strengthening of Russian-North Korean military cooperation fol-lowing the Russo-Ukrainian War, US President Trump's approval of South Korea's nuclear-powered submarines (NSS) around the Gyeongju APEC Summit, and Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi's suggestion of military intervention in the event of a Taiwanese emergency—are all unfolding within the macroeconomic framework of US-China strategic competition. These shifting international political dynamics are rapidly destabilizing the security environment in Northeast Asia, highlighting the possibility of all-out war and the resurgence of past assassinations as real threats. By analyzing key assassination incidents in Northeast Asia, this study aims to reexamine the current security crisis within its historical and structural context and to forecast the future security order in Northeast Asia amidst the US-China conflict. Method: This study is an English-language extension of a paper published in Korean. Based on the political background of terrorism and assassination cases that occurred in Korea in the original Korean paper, it addition-ally discussed the scenario of Korea's nuclear development. Results: Terrorism tends to be perceived as a struggle against an enemy nation and enjoys public support. Therefore, assassination terrorism follows the following process: ➀ It begins with the psychological motivation that the target of the assassination is responsible for a certain situation, and ➁ If the target is eliminated, ➂ the situation will no longer exist. ➃ Once this motivation is confirmed, the process of carrying out the assassination mission is put into action. Conclusion: This study analyzed assassination cases against the political backdrop of Northeast Asia and developed the relationship between security failures and national security. ➀ Domestic political turmoil and foreign policy failures lead to the assassination of national leaders. ➁ Such assassinations are attempted with the intention of regime change. ➂ Such assassinations can escalate into all-out war. ➃ War breaks out when the balance of military power in neighboring countries is disrupted, and assassination attempts occur before such events.

Purpose: This study aims to analyze how artificial intelligence (AI)–driven technologies are transforming military education and training systems, with a particular focus on strategic implications for the Republic of Korea (ROK) Armed Forces. As AI, virtual simulation, and data analytics reshape modern warfare and command decision-making, understanding their integration into professional military education has become essential for future readiness. Method: Using a comparative case study and SWOT analytical framework, this paper examines AI-based education and training innovations in the United States, the United Kingdom, Israel, France, and Japan. Data were collected from official defense reports, academic literature, and institutional documents to identify each nation’s approaches to AI integration in military learning. The analysis evaluates the ROK military’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in adopting AI-centered education systems. Results: The comparative analysis revealed several significant patterns in how leading militaries are integrating AI into their education and training frameworks. First, technological integration and cognitive learning convergence emerged as a global trend. The United States and the United Kingdom employ AI-enabled simulations and adaptive learning systems that provide personalized training feedback. Israel’s Defense Forces demonstrated real-time combat learning through automated data analysis, enhancing decision-making accuracy during mission rehearsal exercises. France and NATO have expanded AI-assisted wargaming for strategic and ethical decision training, showing that artificial intelligence is being used not only for operational efficiency but also for cultivating strategic judgment. Second, the ROK Armed Forces exhibit strong foundational readiness for AI-based transformation. Korea’s advanced ICT infrastructure, high data literacy within the defense industry, and disciplined training culture serve as major strengths. However, several critical weaknesses were identified: insufficient AI literacy among instructors, limited cross-branch data integration, and the absence of a unified defense learning framework. These factors hinder the scalability and coherence of AI-based training initiatives. Third, emerging opportunities include expanding international cooperation with the United States, NATO, and other AI defense clusters. The Korean National Defense AI Strategy (2024–2030) provides policy momentum to institutionalize AI education and simulation systems. Yet threats remain—especially overreliance on technology, ethical dilemmas in AI decision support, and data security vulnerabilities. Overall, the results underscore that Korea’s transition to AI-driven military learning requires not just technological acquisition but a holistic transformation linking pedagogy, leadership, and human–machine teaming principles. Conclusion: The study concludes that the Republic of Korea Armed Forces stand at a strategic crossroads in the evolution of military education and training. While existing infrastructures provide a solid base, the full potential of AI integration can only be realized through comprehensive reform of institutional design, curriculum philosophy, and interservice coordination. The future of effective military learning lies in harmonizing human cognitive adaptability with algorithmic precision. To achieve this transformation, three strategic initiatives are recommended: 1. Establish an AI-Integrated Joint Training Command to unify data resources, coordinate doctrine, and manage simulation ecosystems. 2. Develop the Korean Defense Learning Model (K-DLM) that combines AI analytics, experiential learning, and ethical leadership education. 3. Implement AI Literacy and Leadership Programs to cultivate officers capable of interpreting and supervising AI-generated insights responsibly. By adopting these measures, the ROK military can evolve into a smart defense force that lever-ages artificial intelligence not as a substitute for human judgment, but as an amplifier of critical thinking, adaptability, and mission success. Future research should expand this framework through empirical case studies, simulation-based evaluations, and cross-national policy bench-marking to further validate the effectiveness of AI-enhanced military education.

Purpose: The main purpose of this paper is to analyze major stress factors that should be supplemented in order for Generation Z to expand their support as beginner executives, and based on this, consider measures that the Korean military should supplement. Method: The main research analysis targets and research methods were limited to Gen Z's unenrolled college students nationwide, so a survey and SPSS analysis were used for unenrolled college students in Gangwon-do, which is a military unit concentrated area and a border area. Results: Based on the analysis of major stress factors, in this article is to derive the following measures to improve the Korean military to expand support for beginner executives for Generation Z. First, it is the most important to increase the remuneration of beginner executives. Generation Z judged that beginner executives were paid less than other government and social organizations with the same working conditions. Second, it is considered an important value for military organizations to ensure growth conditions and prepare for the creation of beginner executives. Third, preventive measures should be guaranteed for command measures that are out of the regulations of the commander. Fourth, measures to reduce the responsibilities and obligations of beginner executives must be steadily sought. Conclusion: There has been no significant difference from the stressors and improvement measures of beginner executives that have been raised in our military, but it has become clear that it is urgent to supplement the system and come up with measures to revitalize the support of beginner executives of Generation Z and make them a rewarding service. The government should focus on improving and supplementing the working and work environment of beginner executives in order to foster strong national security and strong military development in the era of ultra-low fertility, and to build an early AI-based complex system.

Purpose: This study aims to examine the international legal discussions surrounding AI-based autonomous weapon systems. By doing so, it seeks to review the regulations and control measures of the international community regarding the development and deployment of AWS and explore ways to ensure the military utility, ethical, and legal justification of AWS development for our military. Method: This study aims to review the trends and discussions of the international community and to confirm the principles of international humanitarian law and autonomous weapons based on this. The research method is to review the existing research literature, prior research, and existing discussion studies of international conferences, and based on this, to derive the direction the international community should take. Results: International discussions, including those by the United Nations, have focused on the compliance and applicability of international law and international humanitarian law (IHL) principles to autonomous weapon systems. Issues discussed include Martens Clause, the Additional Protocols to the Geneva Conventions, and principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution under IHL. Autonomous weapon systems must be designed and manufactured to comply with the principle of distinction, and processes enabling human intervention to immediately halt operations in case of violations should be established. Conclusion: It is anticipated that more precise and IHL-compliant autonomous weapon systems will be developed in the future. Article 36 of the Additional Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions stipulates the legal obligation of contracting parties to review the research, development, and use of new weapons, means, and methods of warfare to prevent excessive injury and unnecessary suffering.

Purpose: Northeast Asia is experiencing increasing military tensions and diplomatic turmoil due to the Russia-North Korea military alliance and the US-China hegemony struggle. Various issues such as territorial disputes, historical conflicts, economic uncertainty, and cyber-attacks are intertwined in the region, which shows the lack of trust and cooperation among Northeast Asian countries. Various threats exist, such as North Korea’s refugee problem and human rights abuses in China, which have a negative impact on regional stability. Therefore, this study aims to explore the perception of various threats from neighboring countries in the midst of geopolitically uncertain security in Northeast Asia and contribute to the establishment of national security strategies. Method: This study surveyed Korean security police officers on their perception of threats in Northeast Asia. One-Way ANOVA was conducted to examine differences according to the number of police officers in the affiliated police organization, and t-Test was conducted to examine differences according to the work area (large city/medium city). Results: First, in places with a large number of police officers, the increase in defense spending, the worsening of US-China relations, and the issue of North Korean defectors were most prevalent in police organizations with a large number of officers. In addition, the influence of military tensions between other continents, trade conflicts between Northeast Asian countries, environmental climate change, and cyber-attacks were also prevalent in police organizations with a large number of officers. Next, the worsening of US-China relations and the third-generation hereditary succession of North Korean power were prevalent in police organizations in large cities. Conclusion: Through this study, the process of change in North Korean defectors following the end of the Cold War and the collapse of the communist system after the Korean War in 1950 was analyzed and divided into generations 1-4. Focusing on the defection course of North Korean defectors, the position of the South Korean government on North Korean defectors, diplomacy to-ward North Korea in Southeast Asian countries, and the causes of regime change between China and North Korea in Northeast Asian countries were examined from the perspective of a regional researcher who has studied North Korea for a long time in South Korea.

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to analyze the characteristics of the MZ generation in the reality of our military, where most of the enlisted soldiers are the MZ generation, and to consider the necessity of collective counseling for them. Method: To examine the necessity of collective counseling, a study was conducted by referring to literature studies and empirical data such as improvement of military culture and MZ generation-related books, journals, and dissertations. Results: In order to improve the barracks culture that fits the characteristics of the MZ generation, our military should actively introduce group counseling to give MZ generations a social experience they lack and help them implement the growth process as late youth. Conclusion: Due to the nature of South Korea, which is adopting the conscription system, the military should be able to play the role of the last public educational institution. The military should be able to regain the hopes and dreams that the seven generations of MZ, called the seventh generation, lost and develop themselves to help South Korea leap forward as a world-class country. If collective counseling can be combined with the characteristics of the independent and progressive MZ generation to create synergy as part of the military's push to improve the barracks culture, South Korea will not only be able to make another leap, which is comparable to the miracle of the Han River, but also become a leading country that deserves to lead the world.

Purpose: The importance of electronic warfare in modern warfare is increasing day by day. In particular, North Korea has a relative weakness of conventional weapons systems, and has focused on developing asymmetric weapons systems and electronic warfare as a way to overcome them. North Korea is currently expected to further expand its application to some aircraft and guided weapons operations under satellite navigation systems such as GPS, GLONASS, COMPASS and Beidou. Method: This study studied the prior theory of electronic warfare at home and abroad. Prior re-search examined the military doctrines of the United States and trends in Europe. In particular, I studied the doctrines of the United States Joint Navigation Center (Navigation Warfare Center, JNWC) and the Education Command. Based on these prior research materials and literature reviews, I wanted to specifically review North Korea's electronic warfare cases and present our response in terms of legal and institutional aspects. Results: The South Korean military should recognize the importance of navigation warfare (part of electronic warfare) that protects our troops' location, navigation and square information so that they can be used without interruption, prevent the enemy's use of related information, and ensure the peaceful use of such information outside the light bulb In addition, we need to build an electronic warfare simulator and continue to promote training based on various scenarios. Conclusion: Efforts to train and support professionals are urgently needed. In parallel with these efforts, joint efforts to develop electronic technologies between the civilian and military should be preceded. To win a high-tech war in the 21st century, it is essential, among other things, to have precision weapons and original electronic warfare support capabilities. In addition, it is necessary to foster R&D and defense companies to secure domestic technology.

Purpose: This article is to explore to understand the realistic background of the territorial conflicts, it has limitations in the understanding and resolution of the territorial conflicts at a more fundamental level regarding the humanities approach. In this respect, it is important to analyze the unresolved territorial conflicts based on the literary view from a humanistic approach based on a political and cultural perspective rather than a confrontation based on the logic of power. Method: The humanities approach is especially literature, contains the conflict generation and resolution process at the human level. The literary works representing each country, especially novels and tales, uniquely demonstrate the origin and development of the conflicts through their own plots. Based on which, it will be possible to understand how the territorial disputes will develop by country at the cultural level. Results: This article has not suggested a fundamental resolution for the territorial conflicts of Northeast Asia, and especially the historical issues of Dokdo between South Korea and Japan. However, it is important to take a humanistic approach focusing on the literary works as ideological, economic, cultural, and nationalist conflicts. This is because the memory of intersecting harms and damages as ideological, economic, cultural, and nationalistic confrontations are repeated with a focus on the Korean Peninsula and Manchuria are the factors that continue the conflict. Conclusion: As the historical contexts are different, the cultural and psychological tendencies are also unique, and the territorial disputes develop through the combination of such factors. In order to analyze the collective psychology and conflict of the South Koreans who experienced the loss of sovereignty and division due to Japan’s forced annexation, and the territorial and historical issues surrounding the Island of Dokdo, which has been an obstacle to the normalization of the South Korea-Japan relations to this day, the culture of the time literature works dealing with modern and contemporary history that reflect the culture and language have been considered.

Purpose: This study is to identify major issues related to the revitalization of the US-led UNC and to suggest an appropriate approach strategy for Republic of Korea(ROK). Method: In this research, the history of the United Nations Command(UNC) was reviewed in accordance with the UN Security Council Resolution(UNSCR) enacted in response to the Korean War, which broke out due to North Korea's illegal and surprise invasion of the ROK. A literature review was conducted to identify major issues related to UNC’s revitalization, and the reliability of the study was increased by using the Delphi technique in a qualitative way through a group of experts. Results: Major issues for UNC revitalization were derived as follows. 1. United States' commitment to revitalize UNC, 2. Sustainability of UNC, 3. Establishment of chain of command between UNC and Future Combined Forces Command, 4. Scope of UNC member countries and participation of ROK forces in UNC Staff, 5. Declaration of the end of the Korean War, 6. Future UNC mission and role innovation. Conclusion: Republic of Korea should actively participate in the revitalization of the UNC for the national interests based on strategic clarity even though the ROK is not a founding country of the UNC. The United States is willing to innovate the future mission and role of the UNC as a multinational peacekeeper capable of supporting a peace regime on the Korean Peninsula while maintaining its influence in East Asia. In conclusion, it is important that the UNC continue to support liberal democracy in the Republic of Korea and develop into a multinational peacekeeping force in East Asia.