South Korean President Lee Jae Myung urged his nation Tuesday to bolster its independent military capabilities after President Donald Trump ordered a significant reduction in joint U.S.-South Korean military exercises. The statement came during a cabinet meeting on the same day the annual Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises commenced.
Trump announced over the weekend via social media that he had directed Secretary of War Pete Hegseth to "substantially reduce" U.S. participation in the drills. Trump cited concerns that the exercises conveyed an unnecessarily hostile tone toward North Korea, with whom he has maintained a reportedly cordial relationship.
In his remarks, President Lee characterized the Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises as purely defensive. "A strong alliance makes the foundation of security stronger, and strengthening our own capabilities increases our value and necessity as an ally," Lee stated.
He emphasized that South Korea's primary objective is maintaining peace on the Korean Peninsula but stressed the importance of readiness for "worst-case scenarios." Lee specifically highlighted the advancement of South Korea's nuclear-powered submarine program among other military initiatives.
Trump's statement, posted on Truth Social, directly addressed President Lee's administration's approach to North Korea. "Based on my very good relationship with Kim Jong Un, of North Korea, I am not happy with the fact that the United States has, long ago, agreed to participate in Joint Military Exercises with South Korea," Trump wrote. He further described the drills as "costly" and sending a "totally inappropriate and hostile" signal to a country he believes has been "unthreatening and respectful" during his tenure.
Lee's administration acknowledged Trump's positive remarks regarding North Korea. National Security Advisor Wi Sung-lac expressed hope that the relationship between Trump and Kim Jong Un could facilitate lasting change and meaningful dialogue between the United States and North Korea.
Trump also noted South Korea's refusal to join U.S. efforts regarding Iran. "While somewhat unrelated (?), I recently asked the President of South Korea if they would like to join us in the Denuclearization of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and they said, ‘No thanks!’" Trump wrote.