March 28, 2024

About the author

Chun In-bum

Retired Lieutenant General In-Bum Chun entered the Korea Military Academy in 1977. Chun was commissioned an infantry officer in 1981 as class 37. Chun became the youngest officer in the Republic of Korea (ROK) Army history to be an aide to a three-star general with a rank of lieutenant. Chun commanded a combat division and the Korean Special Forces. Chun retired from active duty as of July of 2016, and continues to contribute to the improvement of ROK military capabilities and animal welfare.

More articles by 'Chun In-bum'

Kim Jong Un is daring Seoul to escalate. Both Koreas must step back from brink.

Kim Jong Un is daring Seoul to escalate. Both Koreas must step back from brink.

North Korea’s rejection of unification and warnings of war are responses to Seoul’s tough talk, raising risk of conflict

Kim Jong Un is daring Seoul to escalate. Both Koreas must step back from brink.
Chun In-bum
Chun In-bum January 19, 2024
South Korea must remain on guard against North Korean provocations in new year

South Korea must remain on guard against North Korean provocations in new year

Regime’s focus on weapons goals suggests it won’t lash out, but DPRK doesn’t shy away from conflict when in its interest

South Korea must remain on guard against North Korean provocations in new year
Chun In-bum
Chun In-bum December 29, 2023
Seoul must not be intimidated by North Korea’s nuclear bluster

Seoul must not be intimidated by North Korea’s nuclear bluster

DPRK’s new solid-fuel ICBM and other weapons raise real concerns, but overreacting plays into Kim Jong Un’s hands

Seoul must not be intimidated by North Korea’s nuclear bluster
Chun In-bum
Chun In-bum April 18, 2023
Seoul risks losing moral high ground with tit-for-tat retaliation to North Korea

Seoul risks losing moral high ground with tit-for-tat retaliation to North Korea

Rules of engagement allow for self-defense but not revenge, and knowing difference is key for international support

Seoul risks losing moral high ground with tit-for-tat retaliation to North Korea
Chun In-bum
Chun In-bum January 6, 2023
It’s time for South Korea to embrace tactical nuclear weapons to defend itself
KOREA PRO

It’s time for South Korea to embrace tactical nuclear weapons to defend itself

North Korea’s recent weapons tests dramatically tip the scale in its favor. Seoul cannot be caught flat-footed.

It’s time for South Korea to embrace tactical nuclear weapons to defend itself
Chun In-bum
Chun In-bum May 3, 2022
Why the agreement on shared military spending is good for South Korea and the US
NK PRO

Why the agreement on shared military spending is good for South Korea and the US

Negotiating these cost-sharing deals was often painful, but does not need to be as humiliating in the future

Why the agreement on shared military spending is good for South Korea and the US
Chun In-bum
Chun In-bum March 9, 2021
‘A gift and a curse’: What South Korea’s $253 billion defense plan really means
NK PRO

‘A gift and a curse’: What South Korea’s $253 billion defense plan really means

The new, high-budget plan for 2021 - 2025 puts a big focus on interceptors meant to thwart North Korean missiles

‘A gift and a curse’: What South Korea’s $253 billion defense plan really means
Chun In-bum
Chun In-bum August 12, 2020
How South Korea’s military could respond to North Korea’s escalation of tensions

How South Korea’s military could respond to North Korea’s escalation of tensions

The DPRK's recent provocations are regrettable, but the ROK is better equipped and better prepared for what comes next

How South Korea’s military could respond to North Korea’s escalation of tensions
Chun In-bum
Chun In-bum June 18, 2020
Why Kim Jong Un has nothing to fear from this month’s ROK-U.S. drills

Why Kim Jong Un has nothing to fear from this month’s ROK-U.S. drills

This month's drills are purely defensive and designed to ensure that diplomacy is not interrupted

Why Kim Jong Un has nothing to fear from this month’s ROK-U.S. drills
Chun In-bum
Chun In-bum August 11, 2019
What a series of North Korean missile tests means for South Korea’s defense

What a series of North Korean missile tests means for South Korea’s defense

The new weapons pose a major threat — and undermine efforts towards peace on the peninsula

What a series of North Korean missile tests means for South Korea’s defense
Chun In-bum
Chun In-bum May 16, 2019