Defense minister urges military to stay alert against provocations

At the start of the meeting, Kim told the commanders that the military must never let its guard down.

"Over the past year, we have stressed that we will exercise our right to self-defense and sternly punish the enemy if it provokes us again," Kim said. "Our forces have transformed into combat-ready forces and I think this is the direction we have to take going forward."

The military has beefed up its defense posture following two deadly North Korean attacks last year -- its torpedoing of the South Korean warship Cheonan and its shelling of Yeonpyeong Island, both in the Yellow Sea. Fifty South Koreans, including two civilians, were killed in the provocations.

Kim said the year 2012 will be a critical one for security on the Korean Peninsula since South Korea, as well key allies such as the U.S., China and Russia, will all hold presidential elections.

Also, North Korea has set out to become a powerful and prosperous nation in 2012.

The minister said as the third-generation hereditary succession is underway in Pyongyang, from Kim Jong-il to his third son Jong-un, the North may seek to use provocations to deal with political instability, economic hardships and public discontent.

"To address these issues and find some breakthrough, the North may again resort to provocations against the South," Kim said. "And in these extremely difficult times, our military should stay focused on our missions. As in the past, our enemy could catch us by surprise when we appear vulnerable."

After Kim's speech, the rest of the meeting was held behind the closed doors. According to officials who attended the session, the minister also called on commanders to lead the way for their respective units to prepare against provocations both mentally and physically, and to facilitate joint operations between different echelons and branches. (Yonhap News)