[Editorial] South Military Fulfilled Its Duty After Long Time

South Navy repelled yesterday the intruding Northing Korean fishing ship to the North of the NLL. The South Korean Army, which had been under the criticism for its odd response to the North Korean ships intruding into the NLL and the South territory waters, fulfilled its duty after a long time.

According to the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the North Korean fishing ship intruded the NLL yesterday morning and rejected the inspection of the South navy, wielding torches and sticks while South navy sending warning signals.

When the army respond strictly to the North`s intrusion, the morale of the soldiers and the credibility of the people will be promoted. After a long time, both the ruling and the opposing parties in unison appreciated it.

However, it is regretful that the Kim administration and Cheong Wa Dae maintain their position that they responded appropriately to the previous North Korean violations of the NLL. President Kim revealed such an opinion and a Cheong Wa Dae resource followed him, saying ``[the South] backed down [the North Korean ships] peacefully last time because they were commercial ships and did not resist.``

However, there is in fact no private commercial ships in the socialist country North Korea. Even when there are ships for civil trades, whether they are spy ships or armed with weapons can only be verified by the inspection. That`s what the engagement rules and wartime regulations for. Therefore, it is taken for granted that the South military was criticized for its inappropriate response to the intrusion of the North Korean ships into the NLL and the South territory.

It is reasonable to suspect the North Korean ships, which cross over the border without a permission, considering that both Koreas had been under the truce for past decades. It is the military who should suspect the North Korean ships. And when they are suspicious, the military must inspect. It is not a military duty to beg [the North] to retreat out of the South territory, saying it as wise response. Moreover, the demeanor of the military leaders, who had played golf even after they had the report of `intrusion,` cannot be excused.

Today is the 51st anniversary of the Korean War. Since any concrete measure to release the military tense between the two Koreas, the South military should not ease its strict alertness against the North. It is hoped that the South army recover their morale by the strict response of the Navy.