South Korea Signals Possible Drill Adjustment While Adviser Denies Leveraging Exercises
Updated (4 articles)
Minister Announces Open Option to Modify Joint Drills Unification Minister Chung Dong‑young told reporters that Seoul will keep the possibility of adjusting or scaling down the U.S.–South Korea combined exercises “open for discussion,” arguing that such flexibility could create conditions for renewed inter‑Korean talks and echoing President Lee Jae‑Myung’s call for a diplomatic guideline [1][2]. He stressed that the drills themselves serve as a peace‑building tool rather than an end in themselves, and that any change would be coordinated with Washington [2]. The statement was made at a press conference in Goyang on Dec. 11, following a similar remark on Dec. 10 [1].
National Security Adviser Refutes Plans to Use Drills as Leverage Wi Sung‑lac publicly denied that Seoul is currently considering any alteration of the joint exercises to pressure Pyongyang, stating that the drills are not being treated as a bargaining chip and that no concrete adjustment plans exist [1][3][4]. He highlighted internal disagreement within the National Security Council, noting that while “various options” are on the table, the exercises remain unchanged for now [3]. This stance contrasts with the minister’s more conciliatory tone, underscoring a split between diplomatic and security branches.
Both Seoul and Washington Frame Exercises as Defensive South Korean officials and U.S. counterparts describe the combined maneuvers as defensive measures intended to maintain regional stability and deter aggression [1][3]. North Korea continues to denounce the drills as “war rehearsals” and an invasion preparation, a narrative that fuels Pyongyang’s security concerns [1][4]. The divergent portrayals illustrate the diplomatic friction surrounding the drills despite shared claims of defensive intent.
Stalled Inter‑Korean Dialogue Prompts New Military Demarcation Talks With inter‑Korean talks at an impasse, President Lee Jae‑Myung has urged clarification of the Military Demarcation Line to prevent accidental clashes, proposing a series of military talks that Pyongyang has yet to answer [3][4]. Lee also indicated that a stable peace regime could eventually reduce the scale of large‑scale drills, though he left the decision contingent on evolving security conditions [3]. Seoul’s proposal reflects an effort to create confidence‑building measures while the broader nuclear issue remains unresolved [3].
Minister Links Potential Diplomatic Breakthrough to Trump‑China Visit Chung cited the upcoming April visit of former U.S. President Donald Trump to China as a possible catalyst for a meeting between Trump and Kim Jong‑un, which could open a new diplomatic channel for the Korean Peninsula [1]. He added that tourism would be the first sector for cooperation if dialogue resumes, positioning the Unification Ministry to lead future negotiations [1]. The minister’s remarks tie broader geopolitical shifts to the specific question of drill adjustments.
Sources
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1.
Yonhap:South Korea Keeps Option Open to Adjust Joint U.S. Military Exercises to Revive Dialogue with North Korea: Minister stresses drill flexibility could reopen talks, mentions Trump‑China visit and tourism cooperation, while adviser denies current adjustment plans .
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2.
Yonhap:South Korea Urges Flexibility in US‑South Korea Military Drills to Reopen Dialogue with North Korea: Emphasizes drills as peace tool, cites President Lee’s remarks, and outlines joint Seoul‑Washington effort to reengage Pyongyang .
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Yonhap:S. Korea says joint US‑WK drills not being used as lever to restart talks: Adviser Wi states drills are not a negotiation card, notes limited dialogue progress and President Lee’s long‑term vision for reduced drills .
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4.
Yonhap:S. Korea says it is not using joint drills with U.S. as leverage for talks: Reiterates adviser’s denial of leveraging drills, acknowledges multiple dialogue options, and highlights proposal for MDL clarification talks .
Timeline
Dec 7, 2025 – National Security Adviser Wi Sung‑lac states Seoul does not treat the U.S.–South Korea joint exercises as a bargaining chip for inter‑Korean talks, while acknowledging “limited progress” in dialogue and reiterating President Lee Jae‑Myung’s view that a “stable peace regime would ideally reduce large‑scale drills.” He also notes Seoul’s proposal to hold military talks to clarify the Military Demarcation Line, as North Korea continues to label the drills “war rehearsals.” [3][4]
Dec 10, 2025 – Unification Minister Chung Dong‑young announces that keeping the option to adjust or downsize the combined drills “open for discussion” could help restart negotiations with Pyongyang. He emphasizes that the exercises are “a tool to achieve peace on the peninsula, not an end in itself,” and cites President Lee Jae‑Myung’s recent remarks as the guiding principle for U.S.–South Korea coordination. [2]
Dec 11, 2025 – At a press conference in Goyang, Chung Dong‑young argues that flexible drill arrangements may “revive dialogue” with North Korea, criticizes sanctions as “counterproductive,” and points to Donald Trump’s upcoming April visit to China as a possible catalyst for a Kim Jong‑un meeting. He adds that tourism would be the “foremost sector” for cooperation if talks reopen, and stresses the Unification Ministry’s role in shaping peninsula policy. [1]