North Korean Leader Kim Jong-un Orders Reinforcement of Southern Border Units

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un convened a meeting with commanding officers of the armed forces on Sunday and called for reinforcement of front-line units along the southern border, according to state media. Kim stressed that advances in military technology at key units, especially front-line forces, are essential for effective deterrence of war, the Korean Central News Agency reported.

The North Korean leader urged the military to maintain awareness against its "arch" enemy and highlighted the policy of turning the southern border into an "impregnable fortress," the agency said.

Kim announced plans to remodel the military organizational structure and strengthen first-line units as part of a decision to deter war more thoroughly, according to the report. He also emphasized commanders' responsibility for building the world's "strongest" military and announced a policy to reform the training system with greater focus on practical drills suited to modern warfare.

The meeting follows an earlier order this month directing the military to deploy a new self-propelled howitzer along the southern border by the end of the year. Kim held a photo session with senior military commanders, including Ri Yong-gil, chief of the general staff of the Korean People's Army, and Pak Jong-chon, adviser to the North's defense ministry.