South Korean reserve general: enemy fears Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union more than the army

A South Korean reserve general has stated that an adversary would fear Lithuania’s Šaulių sąjunga (Riflemen’s Union) more than its regular army, according to a report by LRT.lt.

Lieutenant General In-Bum Chun, a former commander of South Korea’s Special Operations Forces, shared this perspective during an interview while attending the EBIT conference in Lithuania. The visit was part of a discussion on developing a total defence model, initiated by the Lithuanian business-supported organisation Stiprūs kartu (Strong Together).

General Chun highlighted parallels between Lithuania and South Korea, noting both nations face authoritarian neighbours—Russia for Lithuania, and North Korea and China for South Korea. He emphasised Lithuania’s long history of resistance as a key strength.

South Korea’s total defence model includes mandatory military service for men, a measure considered as a potential solution to declining recruitment in Western societies. Chun noted that when all citizens, regardless of gender, wealth, or education, participate in defence, societal resilience increases.

He acknowledged that while South Korea has lived under the threat of war for over 80 years—facing direct military aggression from North Korea, including the sinking of a warship in 2010 and a 2010 artillery attack on an island—Lithuania now faces a new sense of urgency due to the war in Ukraine.

Chun observed that in South Korea, younger generations tend to be more conservative than their parents on national security issues. He also noted gender differences in attitudes: men, especially those who have served, often prioritise defence and security, while women, particularly younger ones, tend to support more liberal political forces. Some argue that North Korea is no longer a threat due to its economic weakness, while others rely on U.S. protection.

He stressed that sustained tension is unsustainable over decades, creating a paradox where society becomes desensitised to constant danger. In Lithuania, the war in Ukraine has sharpened awareness of nearby threats, whereas in South Korea, the prolonged state of alert has, for many, become routine.