South Korea’s Lee Calls for Stronger Defence as US Eyes Reduced Joint Drills

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung called for stronger independent defence capabilities on Tuesday, stressing that Seoul must enhance its military readiness while maintaining its alliance with the United States.

Lee’s comments come after U.S. President Donald Trump instructed the Pentagon to “substantially reduce” joint U.S.-South Korea military exercises. Trump also said North Korean leader Kim Jong Un had responded to his outreach, raising fresh attention around security and diplomacy on the Korean Peninsula.

Speaking at a cabinet meeting, Lee said South Korea should move ahead without disruption with the planned transfer of wartime operational control from the United States during his presidential term. The transfer remains part of the South Korean government’s existing defence strategy.

Lee argued that strengthening South Korea’s own military capabilities would complement rather than weaken the longstanding U.S.-South Korea alliance. Greater defence independence, he said, could make Seoul an even more valuable security partner.

The president also urged faster progress on South Korea’s nuclear-powered submarine programme, an initiative aimed at expanding the country’s maritime defence capabilities. He called for developing military officers capable of conducting integrated operations as future conflicts increasingly blur the traditional boundaries between different battlefields.

Separately, Lee addressed ongoing civil-defence exercises during a National Security Council meeting. The exercises are taking place alongside major U.S.-South Korea military drills.

Lee emphasized that the civil-defence training is defensive and intended to protect South Korean citizens rather than threaten North Korea or increase tensions on the Korean Peninsula.

According to a statement from the presidential Blue House, Lee said South Korea has no intention of using the exercises to launch an attack against North Korea. Instead, the drills are designed to safeguard citizens’ lives, safety and daily activities during potential emergencies.

The remarks highlight Seoul’s effort to balance stronger independent defence capabilities, its security partnership with Washington and efforts to prevent further escalation with Pyongyang.