SEOUL, Feb. 18 (Yonhap) -- Defense Minister Kim Kwan-jin said Saturday he backs Army commanders who ordered officers in their units to delete smartphone applications considered pro-North Korea and critical of the government of President Lee Myung-bak.

So far, the commanders of at least two Army units are known to have ordered the deletion of about 10 apps, including "Naneun Ggomsuda," or "I'm a Petty-minded Creep," a political satire program known for its hard-hitting criticism of the Lee government.

Other designated apps include "Smart Card," which criticizes Seoul's policy on unification, and "North Korea World," which provides travel information for North Korea.

"Apps that deny the system of the Republic of Korea and denounce the commander-in-chief of the armed forces erode the psychological combat power of the military," the minister said in a Twitter message. "I think the deletion measures were appropriate."

Kim also said the psychological power of troops is a critical element that determines victory or defeat in combat.