South Korea is responding firmly to any North Korean provocation, acting President Han Duck-soo said Friday, as he commemorated the soldiers and police officers killed during mandatory service.
All able-bodied men are required to serve at least 18 months in the military, police, firefighting service or other institutions to defend the nation from North Korean aggression.
Last year, the government designated the fourth Friday of April as a day commemorating those killed during such mandatory service.
"North Korea continues to greatly threaten peace on the Korean Peninsula and in the world through its nuclear and missile provocations," Han said during a ceremony marking the day at the national cemetery in Daejeon, about 140 kilometers south of Seoul.
"The government has established a perfect security posture to defend our freedom and peace and is firmly responding to any North Korean provocation," he added.
Han sought to comfort the families of the fallen soldiers and officers, saying the special day was designated in order to remember their sacrifices and soothe the pain of those left behind.
"This day is not simply to remember, but to promise that the state will fulfill its responsibility," he said. "The government will use all of its strength to honor those who dedicated themselves to the nation and the people. Moreover, we will do our best to care for and support the bereaved families."
