UNC commander visits MDL alongside Seoul's military chief

South Korea's top military officer and Gen. Xavier Brunson, commander of the United Nations Command, visited the eastern section of the inter-Korean border Wednesday, amid repeated crossings by North Korean troops. Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Jin Yong-sung and Brunson visited frontline Guard Posts and a General Outpost along the eastern front to inspect operations in the Demilitarized Zone and review military readiness, according to the JCS. Brunson concurrently serves as commander of th

2026-09-09 17:28:29:00

Is sending officials to UAE a sign Seoul is leaning towards Hormuz deployment?

South Korea's dispatch of an assessment team to the United Arab Emirates should not be seen as a sign that Seoul has decided to send forces to the Strait of Hormuz, experts said Wednesday, as the government weighs possible military support for US-led efforts amid the war with Iran. The assessment came after the Defense Ministry confirmed Tuesday that a team had traveled to the UAE over the weekend to examine security conditions and operational circumstances around the strait. The US has asked So

2026-09-09 14:49:09:00

Philippine defense chief says South Korea reliable partner for defense modernization

Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro on Wednesday stressed South Korea as a defense industry partner, as Manila strengthens defense ties with Seoul through co-production, joint shipbuilding and broader industrial cooperation. “The most important thing is that our countries are strategically aligned, which is why we have confidence in the Republic of Korea as a reliable partner for our defense modernization,” Teodoro said. He pointed to the quality, affordability and after-sales support

2026-09-09 13:55:04:00

[Key Points] Seoul urges renewed US-North Korea talks backed by strong deterrence

Dialogue backed by deterrence: Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back called for renewed US-North Korea talks, saying Seoul’s military would support diplomacy with strong readiness and deterrence. Trump-Kim hopes: Ahn said he hopes US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un can meet again, arguing renewed talks could affect both the Korean Peninsula and global security. Inter-Korean talks next: Ahn said US-North Korea dialogue should eventually pave the way for renewed talks between Se

2026-09-08 18:13:44:00

Seoul security forum becomes stage for Philippine minister to slam China

Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. sharply criticized China over the South China Sea on Tuesday during a Seoul forum that was originally intended to promote dialogue and security cooperation among officials and experts from dozens of countries. Teodoro was participating in the first plenary session of the Seoul Defense Dialogue, hosted by South Korea’s Ministry of National Defense, which focused on ways to build a more stable international order amid growing geopolitical tensions.

2026-09-08 16:47:32:00

Seoul's defense minister vows military backing for US-N. Korea talks

Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back on Tuesday called for the resumption of dialogue between the United States and North Korea, saying South Korea's military would back diplomatic efforts with strong deterrence and readiness. "I believe North Korea-US dialogue must take place, and the military will support it with powerful strength," Ahn said during the first plenary session of the Seoul Defense Dialogue in central Seoul. Ahn said he hopes US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un

2026-09-08 14:48:49:00

S. Korea military eyes AI to analyze reserve training data

South Korea’s military is moving to use artificial intelligence to analyze the training records of about 1.7 million reservists each year, as it seeks to strengthen reserve forces amid a shrinking pool of active-duty personnel. The Defense Ministry recently commissioned a study on building an AI-based system to collect and analyze reserve training data, according to military officials Tuesday. South Korea has about 2.56 million reservists, of whom roughly 1.7 million take part in annual mobiliza

2026-09-08 14:07:11:00

[Key Points] Freedom Edge drills highlight shifting US regional priorities

Trilateral drills: South Korea, the US and Japan began five-day maritime, air and cyber exercises around Jeju Island. North Korea focus: Seoul says Freedom Edge strengthens deterrence against Pyongyang’s nuclear and missile threats. UFS cut short: The drills follow Washington’s early termination of the South Korea-US Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise. Trump’s rationale: Trump cited costs and diplomacy with Kim Jong-un, criticizing major drills as hostile signals. China shift fears: Analysts say the

2026-09-07 17:32:34:00

[Key Points] Opposition vows to block military academy merger

Merger battle: People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyeok vowed to block integration of the Army, Navy and Air Force academies. Readiness concerns: Jang says the plan could weaken service-specific training and overall military strength. Site problems: He criticized Jaun-dae in Daejeon for lacking facilities such as an airfield and port. Government rationale: The Defense Ministry says integration will strengthen future-war readiness and training efficiency. Coup legacy: President Lee Jae Myung has

2026-09-07 15:00:16:00

S. Korea, US, Japan kick off Freedom Edge drills

The annual South Korea-Japan-US Freedom Edge multidomain exercise kicked off Monday, continuing trilateral military cooperation even after Washington sharply scaled back a major bilateral drill with Seoul last month. The five-day exercise will run through Friday in international waters east and south of Jeju Island, according to South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff. Major naval and air assets from the three countries will take part, with the drills covering maritime, air and cyber domains. The th

2026-09-07 14:58:30:00