Park extends words of encouragement to military

President Park Geun-hye said Friday she has "full confidence" in the country's military, vowing to provide full support to improve soldiers' mission capabilities.

   "(I) have full trust in our strong and manly soldiers, and will provide full support for the execution of your mission," Park said in a video message to the country's 650,000-strong military on New Year's Day.

   "Our military should be ready to support national development and establish a new military culture," she said.

   All able-bodied South Korean men must carry out compulsory military service for about two years in a country facing North Korea across the heavily fortified border.

   Meanwhile, Park began the new year by visiting Seoul National Cemetery with her aides and laying a wreath at the memorial tower.

   In the visitor's book, Park wrote her wish to "make 2016 a year of peace on the Korean Peninsula to contribute to global peace," according to the presidential office. (Yonhap)