South Korea has set its sights on a future defined not just by cutting-edge technology, but also by civic pride and international engagement. On September 22, 2025, the nation unveiled a two-pronged approach to modernization and global visibility: an ambitious military reform plan and a sweeping nationwide clean-up campaign. Both initiatives, while distinct in their aims, underscore a renewed commitment to innovation, unity, and the country’s reputation on the world stage.
According to reports from Yonhap News, South Korea’s government made a decisive pivot toward building a modern military force anchored in technology rather than sheer numbers. The reform blueprint, revealed on September 22, places a premium on artificial intelligence, precision weaponry, and automated systems—areas where South Korea already boasts considerable expertise. The plan is not just about updating equipment; it’s about fundamentally reimagining what a 21st-century defense force should look like.
"The focus is shifting from quantity to quality," a senior defense official told Yonhap News. The government’s vision is to create a leaner, smarter, and more agile military, capable of responding to 21st-century threats with advanced tools and strategies. Artificial intelligence, in particular, is set to play a starring role. From autonomous surveillance drones to AI-powered decision-making systems, the integration of smart technology is expected to revolutionize how the military operates on land, sea, and air.
But the reform plan goes beyond the battlefield. It also emphasizes the development of the national defense industry, aiming to turn South Korea into a powerhouse of military technology exports. This move is designed to boost the domestic economy, create high-skilled jobs, and enhance the country’s strategic autonomy. "By investing in our defense industry, we can strengthen our security and become a global leader in advanced military technologies," the official added.
Security diplomacy is another pillar of the reform. As tensions simmer in Northeast Asia and the broader Asia-Pacific region, South Korea is seeking to deepen ties with allies and partners. The hope is that a technologically advanced military will not only deter potential adversaries but also make South Korea a more attractive partner for joint exercises, intelligence sharing, and defense cooperation.
Meanwhile, President Lee Jae Myung has been busy rallying the nation around a very different—yet equally important—kind of campaign. In a heartfelt social media post on September 22, President Lee called on all South Koreans to join a "Clean-up Week" stretching from September 22 to October 1, 2025. The timing is no coincidence: the campaign is scheduled just ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting, a major diplomatic event that will bring international attention to South Korea.
President Lee described the campaign as a nationwide sanitation drive held during the Mid-Autumn Festival and the APEC summit, with the goal of welcoming both families and distinguished guests to a cleaner, more beautiful country. "This is a total clean-up campaign across the nation," Lee wrote. The effort is meant to showcase a "new Korea"—one that takes pride in both its traditions and its modern achievements.
Special attention is being paid to areas with difficult living conditions and to traditional markets, where local residents and volunteers are joining forces to tackle long-standing sanitation challenges. The campaign is as much about social solidarity as it is about cleanliness. By focusing on neighborhoods that have often been overlooked, the initiative seeks to ensure that the benefits of a cleaner environment are shared by all.
President Lee expressed regret that he would not be able to participate directly in the clean-up activities, citing his schedule at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. However, he was quick to reassure citizens that he would be working tirelessly abroad to enhance South Korea’s status and prestige. "I will do my utmost overseas to elevate the position and reputation of South Korea," he stated, according to Yonhap News.
He also emphasized the collective power of citizen participation: "If many citizens join hands, it will be a great strength to create a clean South Korea." The president’s message struck a chord with many, tapping into a deep well of civic pride and responsibility. Volunteers, local officials, and ordinary citizens have responded enthusiastically, with clean-up events planned in cities and towns across the country.
The dual focus on technological advancement and civic engagement reflects a broader strategy for South Korea as it navigates a rapidly changing world. On the one hand, the government is betting big on innovation, hoping that investments in artificial intelligence and automated systems will keep the country competitive in both security and industry. On the other, there is a clear recognition that national strength also comes from unity, shared values, and the willingness of citizens to work together for the common good.
These initiatives are unfolding against the backdrop of the upcoming APEC summit, an event that will put South Korea in the international spotlight. With leaders from across the Asia-Pacific region converging on Seoul, the stakes are high. The government is keen to present a modern, dynamic, and welcoming face to the world—one that reflects both technological prowess and a vibrant civic spirit.
For many South Koreans, the timing of the clean-up campaign during the Mid-Autumn Festival carries special significance. The festival, known as Chuseok, is a time for family gatherings and reflection. By linking the campaign to this important holiday, the government is encouraging citizens to see civic responsibility as an extension of family and community values. It’s a message that resonates in a society where tradition and modernity often go hand in hand.
As South Korea moves forward with its ambitious plans, challenges remain. Transforming the military into a high-tech force will require significant investment, careful planning, and ongoing training. Ensuring that the benefits of national development are shared by all citizens—especially those in marginalized communities—will demand sustained effort and vigilance. But the energy and optimism surrounding both the military reform and the clean-up campaign suggest that the country is ready to meet these challenges head-on.
With the world watching, South Korea is seizing the moment to redefine itself—not just as an economic and technological powerhouse, but as a nation where innovation, pride, and collective action go hand in hand. Whether on the battlefield or in the streets, the message is clear: the future belongs to those who are willing to work together, embrace change, and strive for something better.