away with bureaucratic mentality and mannerism to clear the path toward building strong elite forces that garner the trust of the ROK people and instill fear in our enemies. In order to provide support in the form of military strength to the government’s denuclearization efforts such as sanctions and pressure against the North, in the face of intensifying nuclear and missile threats from North Korea, we are endeavoring to further develop the independent capabilities of our armed forces as a starting point. We will thoroughly prepare for the various types of North Korean aggression, including cyber-attacks. Moreover, we will expand the ROK-U.S. Alliance beyond its military origin to a comprehensive partnership that encompasses economic and cultural spheres, and develop it into a peace-building alliance contributing to the stability not just of the Korean Peninsula, but also of Northeast Asia and the world as a whole. Meanwhile, we will ensure that the ‘conditions-based operational control transition’ takes place according to the terms agreed upon by the ROK and the U.S. at an appropriate time and in a stable manner, thereby allowing the ROK military to take initiative in defending the ROK. Furthermore, we will instill a new barracks culture by transforming the mindset of our servicemembers, creating a transparent and efficient environment for defense acquisition programs, and implement a low-cost, high-efficiency defense management system through logistics reform. We will thus transform our armed forces into an ‘advanced elite military,’ respectful of the public welfare and trusted by the people of our nation. Our armed forces have been a sturdy pillar and a reassuring presence for the nation and its people, unshaken and undaunted by challenges in difficult times. In the face of a complex and unstable security situation, the ROK military pledges to remain resolute and unwavering to steadfastly fulfill its duties and maintain a firm readiness posture capable of deterring North Korean aggression and carrying out a swift and forceful retaliation in the event of an aggression. The purpose of the ‘2016 Defense White Paper’ is to inform the Korean public about these efforts. This publication details changes in military threats from North Korea, including nuclear and missile threats, significant achievements made in national defense over the past four years, and future policy directions. The Appendix contains various defense-related data which can be helpful for an in-depth understanding of national security and defense and research into this field. It is our hope that the ‘2016 Defense White Paper’ will contribute to enhancing the public understanding and appreciation of the ROK Armed Forces. December 31, 2016 Han Min-koo Minister of National Defense, Republic of Korea