Wednesday marks the first anniversary of North Korea's shelling of South Korea's Yeonpyeong Island. It was an attack that claimed the lives of four South Koreans - two soldiers and two civilians – while wounding dozens of others. Memorial events and protests denouncing North Korea were held nationwide on the anniversary.

President Lee Myung-bak also visited the Northwestern Islands Defense Command, which is in charge of protecting the five islands near the maritime border with North Korea, and called for stronger spirit by the Korean military.

He stressed that although new weapons and equipment are needed, the spirit of the military is even more important, and added if the nation’s military is strong, North Korea would not dare to make provocations.

The president also pointed out the public’s determination not to suffer damages and loss again along with the military’s strong resolve, in particular that of the marines stationed on the northwestern islands, had garnered public trust in the military.

Lee also pointed out that North Korea had made no official apology for its attack and that he expects the North to do so for the sake of reconciliation of the two Koreas.