Korean Media: Lee Kun-hee's Anger Over the "Traitor" and Korea's Fated Success in Military Industry
South Korea’s defense industry, which has tirelessly worked to counter its northern neighbor, unexpectedly achieved remarkable industrial success due to an unforeseen global war… It seems that doors are destined to open for nations that have triumphed over hardship.
Yesterday, the first operational prototype of South Korea’s domestically developed fighter jet, the KF-21, rolled off the production line. The aircraft will be deployed to Air Force combat squadrons, safeguarding the nation’s skies. When the project was first announced over 20 years ago, most people doubted this day would ever come. The development program had been canceled more than four times. Even after confirmation of development, pessimistic voices persisted: “What is the point of developing a fourth-generation fighter in the era of fifth-generation stealth fighters?”
Yet now it appears we foresaw the future—more than two decades ahead—and have been preparing all along. With Middle Eastern countries facing unprecedented security crises due to the Iran conflict, they sought to purchase stealth fighter jets like the F-35—but the U.S. refused to sell them due to Israel’s opposition. Currently, the only viable Western alternative is South Korea’s KF-21 “near-stealth” fighter. Ironically, being the last to develop, it comes equipped with cutting-edge systems. While Europe claims ambitions to build sixth-generation stealth fighters, their goals are overly ambitious and progress remains slow. Impatient Middle Eastern nations now have no choice but to seriously consider the KF-21—and this situation is expected to persist for a considerable period.
The KF-21 must be upgraded into a true stealth fighter. The enormous development costs are daunting, but reports suggest the UAE may join the project. As the country most frequently targeted by Iranian attacks, the UAE may find this initiative even more urgent than South Korea itself. Although many once predicted the KF-21’s stealth version was impossible, the progress has unfolded surprisingly smoothly.
The UAE successfully intercepted Iranian missiles and drones using South Korea’s Sky Sword II missiles, achieving a 96% interception rate. Excluding cases where Iranian missiles malfunctioned mid-flight and thus required no interception, the success rate reached 100%. This performance emerged directly from the threat posed by North Korean missiles. Real-world combat records serve as the ultimate quality assurance. The Sky Sword II missile is already in high demand, proven effective in actual operations, and priced at just one-fourth to one-third of comparable American-made missiles—ensuring future shortages. Following the Sky Sword II, countries seeking high-altitude defense systems like the LSAM will surely form long queues.
Middle Eastern nations are now forced to use $600 million worth of missiles to intercept Iranian drones valued at merely 50 billion won. In search of affordable defensive solutions, previously considered “outdated,” South Korea’s Army’s “Flying Tiger” anti-aircraft gun systems have suddenly gained prominence. Such weapons combining portable air defense missiles and anti-aircraft guns are rare in the West. Particularly, right now, South Korea is likely the only supplier capable of immediate delivery. Some Middle Eastern countries have even expressed interest in receiving equipment currently used by the South Korean military first.
Recently, footage of Middle Eastern forces using Apache helicopters to shoot down Iranian drones went viral. However, Apaches are too expensive, and delivery timelines remain uncertain even if ordered now. Coincidentally, South Korea has just completed the production of a newly developed light attack helicopter (LAH)—a timing so perfect it seems almost orchestrated.
After enduring Iranian missile attacks, Middle Eastern nations should now fully realize their lack of ballistic missiles capable of striking back at Iran. Globally, South Korea ranks among the highest in conventional ballistic missile capabilities—developed precisely in response to the North Korean threat. South Korea’s ballistic missiles offer various warhead weights, types, and ranges, with precision reaching world-class levels. If Middle Eastern nations possessed South Korea’s Hyunmoo missiles, Iran might not have dared launch such brazen attacks. Demand for South Korea’s offensive missiles is undoubtedly set to grow.
The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has highlighted the importance of mine-clearance vessels. Among Western nations, only South Korea and a few others can both manufacture and operate such ships—no one anticipated a crisis like this in the Strait of Hormuz. Yet South Korea must prepare for the possibility of North Korea blocking ports like Busan Harbor, which U.S. military vessels rely on. It can be said that today, South Korea is the only nation capable of immediately producing and exporting mine-clearance vessels. South Korea is also developing mine-clearance helicopters—perfectly timed.
The breakthrough in South Korea’s defense exports came unexpectedly due to the Ukraine war. The FA-50 light attack aircraft, K2 tank, K9 self-propelled howitzer, and Cheonmyeong multiple rocket launcher have all seen export orders soar like birds taking flight. Global demand for weapons has surged, and aside from South Korea—which has consistently produced arms due to security threats—very few countries can deliver quickly.
It’s not just about war. In 2010, during the Yeonpyeong Island artillery incident, one K9 self-propelled howitzer produced by a Samsung subsidiary failed. Upon receiving the report, Chairman Lee Kun-hee reportedly muttered “traitors,” expressing his anger. It was this attitude that forged South Korea’s global trust in its weapon systems. Behind South Korea’s military-industrial success lies a generation of entrepreneurs who did not pursue profit alone.
South Korea’s defense industry was compelled to develop due to the North Korean threat—but it has also brought unexpected industrial success. For a nation divided and suffering deeply, even facing nuclear threats, this feels like a fated door opening before them. Going forward, defense technology should advance toward the world’s highest level, just as semiconductors have done. This is South Korea’s geopolitical destiny and fate.
Source: Chosun Ilbo
Original Article: toutiao.com/article/1860703958250496/
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