인지전 수행을 위한 한국군 공보작전 발전방향 연구

Abstract

This study examines the future trajectory of the Republic of Korea (ROK) military’s public affairs operations within the evolving context of cognitive warfare, a defining characteristic of modern conflict. Through a theoretical review, the paper identifies cognitive warfare as a core modality of contemporary military strategy—one that targets perception, undermines trust, and manipulates narratives across digital and physical domains. In this new operational environment, the role of military public affairs must be reconceptualized. It can no longer function solely as a reactive body that explains or clarifies institutional positions. Rather, it must be positioned as a strategic communication arm capable of delivering timely, accurate, and credible information designed to shape public understanding, preempt misinformation, and sustain legitimacy. The study highlights the growing importance of visual content—particularly photographs and videos—as powerful instruments in conveying messages quickly and intuitively. Such media not only enhance the perceived authenticity of military communication but also contribute to building trust and engagement with both domestic and international audiences. Case analyses of foreign military operations and North Korea’s cognitive warfare tactics reveal the deliberate use of visual media as more than documentation. In these examples, images and videos serve as strategic assets for narrative framing, psychological influence, and the pursuit of political objectives. Building on these insights, the paper presents a strategic vision for transforming the ROK military’s public affairs function to better align with the demands of cognitive warfare. Central to this vision is the establishment of an integrated system for collecting, managing, and disseminating visual content in real time. This must be supported by investments in technical infrastructure and the recruitment and training of specialized personnel with expertise in visual content production, editing, and drone-based media operations. Furthermore, the study calls for the creation of a robust civil-military-media coordination framework involving government agencies, local authorities, news media, and private digital platforms to enable synchronized messaging and rapid response during crises Ultimately, these reforms aim to enhance the ROK military’s capacity to construct a compelling and credible strategic narrative, strengthen public trust, and assert leadership in the contested information environment. In an era where perception can be as decisive as kinetic force, this study underscores the urgent need for a proactive, visually driven public affairs system as a cornerstone of national defense strategy in the cognitive domain.