DECEMBER 08, 2023

Readout of National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan’s Trilateral Meeting with the National Security Advisors of Japan and the Republic of Korea

STATEMENTS AND RELEASES

On Saturday, December 9, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan met with ROK National Security Advisor Cho Tae-Yong and Japanese National Security Advisor Takeo Akiba for the fourth trilateral National Security Advisors trilateral meeting of the Biden-Harris Administration. Their meeting follows just four months after the historic Camp David Summit, in which President Biden, President Yoon, and Prime Minister Kishida launched a new era of trilateral cooperation.

The National Security Advisors reviewed progress on a wide range of trilateral initiatives, including the Commitment to Consult on regional crises, the sharing of ballistic missile defense data, and our collective efforts to respond to the DPRK’s use of cryptocurrency to generate revenue for its illicit WMD programs. They also discussed next steps in trilateral cooperation on economic security, including our supply chain early warning initiative, and on our efforts to align our three countries respective Indo-Pacific Strategies and capacity efforts throughout the region.

National Security Advisors Sullivan, Cho, and Akiba also discussed the deepening partnership between the DPRK and Russia and agreed to work in close coordination to counter its destabilizing effects. They reaffirmed the fundamental importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Straits and underscored their commitment to freedom of navigation and to international law, including in the South China Sea and East China Sea.

National Security Advisor Sullivan thanked National Security Advisor Cho and National Security Advisor Akiba for the ROK and Japan’s unwavering commitment to the people of Ukraine. He praised the courageous work undertaken by the ROK and Japan to strengthen their bilateral ties, noting that their efforts had allowed our three countries to commence and institutionalize a new era of trilateral partnership that will be a force for peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific for years to come.

DECEMBER 08, 2023

Statement from NSC Spokesperson Adrienne Watson on the Travel of National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan to the Republic of Korea

STATEMENTS AND RELEASES

National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan has traveled to Seoul, Republic of Korea (ROK) for meetings on Friday, December 8 and Saturday, December 9 with his counterparts, National Security Secretariat Secretary General Akiba Takeo of Japan and National Security Office Director Cho Taeyong of the ROK. Mr. Sullivan has participated in separate bilateral meetings with his counterparts, and he is now joining a trilateral meeting, the fourth trilateral between the three National Security Advisors. Their discussions have captured the full breadth of our strengthening trilateral relationship across multiple domains. From cooperation on emerging threats, including the concerning developments related to weapons transfers between the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and Russia, to the further alignment of respective Indo-Pacific Strategies between the three countries, these meetings have provided a key opportunity to build upon the progress made between the U.S., ROK, and Japan during the historic Camp David Trilateral Summit in August.

Mr. Sullivan will also participate in the inaugural Next Generation Critical and Emerging Technology (CET) Dialogue between the U.S. and the ROK, a key initiative announced during ROK President Yoon’s state visit to the United States in April. In conjunction with the CET Dialogue, he has participated in a Track 1.5 Event to discuss the importance of deeper collaboration on critical and emerging technology with the ROK, including the clean energy transition. NSA Sullivan and NSA Cho are using this opportunity to highlight their intent to anchor the CET Dialogue across six main technology areas, including semiconductor supply chains and technology, biotechnology, batteries and clean energy technology, quantum, digital connectivity, and artificial intelligence.

During his visit, Mr. Sullivan will reaffirm the United States’ unwavering support for the ROK and Japan in the face of the DPRK’s provocative actions in the region, as well as discuss deepening collaboration on key issues like critical and emerging technology, and strengthen resilience against economic coercion and supply chain disruptions, increasing collaboration on development assistance across the globe.

DECEMBER 08, 2023

JOINT FACT SHEET: Launching the U.S.-ROK Next Generation Critical and Emerging Technologies Dialogue

STATEMENTS AND RELEASES

Today, U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and the Republic of Korea (ROK) National Security Advisor Cho Tae-yong chaired the inaugural U.S.-ROK Next Generation Critical and Emerging Technologies (CET) Dialogue in Seoul.  The launch of the Next Generation CET Dialogue fulfills a commitment that President Biden and President Yoon made during the April 2023 State Visit to upgrade bilateral technology cooperation as the two countries take monumental strides to modernize the U.S.-ROK alliance, now in its 70th year.

National Security Advisors Sullivan and Cho underscored their intent to anchor the initiative in strategic technologies that will be of greatest consequence to bolstering economic prosperity; enhancing resilience against supply chain disruptions; and securing competitive advantages for our two nations and like-minded partners.  At the outset, the Next Generation CET Dialogue will drive cooperation across six main strategic technology areas, including semiconductor supply chains and technology; biotechnology; batteries and clean energy technology; quantum science and technology; digital connectivity; and artificial intelligence.  The National Security Advisors also highlighted the crucial importance of aligning and adapting our technology protection toolkits, including the recently announced Disruptive Technology Protection Network and investment screening mechanisms, as an important effort to prevent the leakage of sensitive and dual-use technologies.

In addition to the National Security Advisors, the Next Generation CET Dialogue featured high-level representation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Science and Information and Communication Technologies, the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy, the Ministry of Health and Welfare, and the Ministry of Education on the ROK side.  They were joined by senior officials from the Department of State, the Department of Energy, the National Science Foundation, the White House Office of Pandemic Preparedness and Response Policy, and the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.  The two sides committed to carrying forward the Next Generation CET Dialogue as an outcomes-oriented, whole-of-government endeavor across the innovation value chain to advance high-level CET policy priorities.  

During the inaugural CET Dialogue, the United States and the ROK welcomed enhanced cooperation between our governments, industry, and academia across the following domains:

Semiconductor Supply Chains and Technology:

Upgrade cooperation between the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Ministry of Science and ICT and key industry partners, including through granting teams of U.S. and Korean researchers preferential access to advanced technology nodes to support expanded joint research and development (R&D) opportunities.

Lay the groundwork for deeper collaboration between our respective public and private semiconductor research and development organizations, including exchanging best practices and outlining shared R&D priorities through the U.S. Department of Commerce and ROK Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy-led Supply Chain and Commercial Dialogue, within which the United States and the ROK intend to launch a forum for discussions to connect interested public and private research institutions, including the to-be-established U.S. National Semiconductor Technology Center and the Korean Advanced Semiconductor Technology Center.  

Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing:

Launch new collaboration on bioeconomy R&D between the ROK Ministry of Science and ICT and NSF in 2024, with the intention of supporting research collaborations with an anticipated value of no less than US $10 million.

Implement the MOU between the Lawrence Berkley National Lab and Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology on bio-foundry, signed this April, including through pursuing personnel exchanges, expanded information sharing, and reciprocal demonstrations of capabilities and technologies to support our respective test beds.  

Expand collaboration between the National Institutes of Health and the Ministry of Health and Welfare, with a focus on exploring MD-PhD talent exchange programs; enhancing biomedical research cooperation; and discussing opportunities for cooperation between research hospitals, particularly on cell and gene therapies, treatments for rare diseases, and diagnostic devices.

Strengthen coordination between the U.S. Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) and the Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Korea Health Industry Development Institute to catalyze health innovation R&D.  

Launch a track 1.5 channel in 2024 focused on accelerating bilateral R&D initiatives; identifying active pharmaceuticals, starting materials, and other inputs that can be diversified and “friend-shored;” and building resilience in global biopharmaceutical supply chains.

Enhance collaboration between the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infection Disease and the ROK National Institute of Infection Diseases on biomedical research cooperation related to infectious diseases and immunology in areas of shared interest.

Enhance cooperation on Cancer Moonshot Initiative 2.0 including implementing the MOU between the Korean National Cancer Center and the U.S. National Cancer Institute and discuss possible further collaboration between the United States and the ROK.

Batteries and Clean Energy Technology:

Expand R&D between U.S. National Labs and counterpart Korean research institutes, and explore research and talent exchanges focused on next-generation secondary batteries—particularly related to lithium metal batteries, all-solid-state batteries, sodium-ion batteries, and other key clean energy technologies.

Deepen joint research on utility-scale energy storage, including through the partnership between the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and the Research Institute of Industrial Science and Technology on intermediate temperature sodium metal halide development.

Advance a new MOU to build cooperation between Sandia National Laboratories and the Korea Electrical Safety Corporation to collaborate on joint research projects in the field of Battery Energy Storage System safety technologies, including the development of a battery safety database and international standards.

Enhance collaboration in next-generation battery technology R&D, building upon the recent conclusion of an MOU between the Korea Planning Evaluation Institute of Industrial Technology and the Industry and University Cooperative Research Center for Efficient Vehicles and Sustainable Transportation Systems.

Quantum:

Advance new scientific and technical collaboration under the Cooperation Agreement between the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology and the Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science to promote research in support of next-generation superconducting quantum computing.  

Enhance government and industry cooperation in multilateral fora, including through collaboration between the Quantum Economic Development Consortium and the Korea Quantum Industry Association.

Initiate research discussions and explore opportunities for new university collaboration on joint research activities, joint conferences, workforce development programs, exchanges of information, and faculty and scholar visits.

Artificial Intelligence and Standards:

Deepen collaboration on international governance frameworks for AI through promoting mutually reinforcing international initiatives – including the United States’ announcement of the Political Declaration on the Responsible Military Use of AI and Autonomy and the G7 Code of Conduct and the ROK’s hosting of the Mini Virtual Summit on AI, the Global AI Forum, and the Responsible Artificial Intelligence in the Military Domain Summit (REAIM) – and welcoming progress in our respective domestic policy processes on AI governance.  The ROK also noted its contributions to promoting international discussions on AI norms, including through its Digital Bill of Rights.  

Launch a new bilateral AI Working Group, with a focus on cooperating in efforts to develop international standards, advancing joint research, and fostering interoperability in AI policies to ensure safe, secure, and trustworthy AI.

Conclude an MOU on technology standards between the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the Korean Agency for Technology and Standards.

Digital Connectivity and Information Communication Technologies (ICT):

Deepen cooperation on cloud technology and reliability, including through launching expert discussions on innovative cybersecurity approaches and expanding R&D, exchanges, and mutual investment to support resilient and energy-efficient cloud infrastructure and service.

Promote secure and resilient ICT infrastructure in the United States, the ROK, and third countries through jointly identifying and supporting financing options for Open RAN testbeds, pilot projects, capacity-building programs, and operational deployments in Southeast Asia and other priority regions, and explore collaboration on international standardization in areas such as 5G and 6G.

Advance a common approach to the trusted free flow of data, including through supporting the expansion of the Global Cross-Border Privacy Rules (CBPR) Forum and promoting cooperation on data protection and privacy in third countries.

Partnership with Like-Minded Nations

Hold National Security Council and National Security Office-led consultations with like-minded partners on critical and emerging technologies including through launching an informal trilateral technology dialogue with India in the first quarter of 2024.

The United States and the ROK recognize that the combined talent of our nations and our rich people-to-people ties form the bedrock of cooperation and commit to redouble efforts to promote STEM exchanges and workforce and student mobility programs.  Through the Next Generation CET Dialogue, we intend to double down on our work together, at the leading edge of innovation, to propel our ambitious technology partnership into the future and deliver a more prosperous, secure, and stable future for our two people and for the Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY

PRESS RELEASES

Treasury Targets DPRK's International

Agents and Illicit Cyber Intrusion Group
 

November 30, 2023

Australia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and the United States

Sanction DPRK for its November 21 Satellite Launch

WASHINGTON — Today, in coordination with foreign partners, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned eight foreign-based Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s (DPRK) agents that facilitate sanctions evasion, including revenue generation and missile-related technology procurement that support the DPRK’s weapons of mass destruction (WMD) programs. Additionally, OFAC sanctioned cyber espionage group Kimsuky for gathering intelligence to support the DPRK’s strategic objectives.

Today’s actions are in response to the DPRK’s November 21 claimed military reconnaissance satellite launch and demonstrates the multilateral efforts of the United States and foreign partners to hinder the DPRK’s ability to generate revenue, procure materiel, and gather intelligence that advances the development of its WMD program and the unlawful export of arms and related materiel from the DPRK.

 “Today’s actions by the United States, Australia, Japan, and the Republic of Korea reflect our collective commitment to contesting Pyongyang’s illicit and destabilizing activities,” said Treasury’s Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian E. Nelson. “The DPRK’s use of overseas laborers, money launderers, cyber espionage, and illicit funding continue to threaten international security and our allies in the region. We will remain focused on targeting these key nodes in the DPRK’s illicit revenue generation and weapons proliferation.”

DPRK ILLICIT ECONOMIC ACTIVITY

Today’s actions target the DPRK’s access to revenue and weapons, generated through state-owned entities, banks, and trading companies, specifically through their globally deployed trade and bank representatives. These individuals provide critical access to foreign technology vital to the DPRK’s domestic weapons program and enable DPRK revenue generation through access to the international financial system. A portion of the revenue from these activities has been funneled towards domestic WMD-related technology and missile systems.

OFAC is designating eight individuals that are associated with U.S.-designated DPRK state-owned weapons exporters, financial institutions, and front companies including Green Pine Associated Corporation (Green Pine), Foreign Trade Bank of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (FTB), KoryoCommercial Bank LTD. (KCB), Korea United Development Bank (KUDB), and Mansudae Overseas Project Group of Companies (MOP).

DPRK WEAPONS SALES REPRESENTATIVES

U.S. and UN-designated Green Pine is responsible for approximately half of DPRK arms and related materiel exports. The Reconnaissance General Bureau (RGB)-controlled Green Pine specializes in the production of maritime military craft and armaments and has provided both technical assistance and weapons to Iranian defense-related firms.

•   Kang Kyong Il and Ri Sung Il are Tehran, Iran-based Green Pine representatives. Kang Kyong Il has attempted to sell Chinese-origin aluminum and Ri Sung Il has worked with other DPRK representatives to sell conventional weapons to foreign governments. Both Kang Kyong Il and Ri Sung Il have travelled to China together on multiple occasions.

•    Kang Phyong Guk is a Green Pine representative in Beijing, China and is a central liaison between Green Pine and its overseas representatives.

Ri Sung Il, Kang Kyong Il, and Kang Phyong Guk are being designated pursuant to E.O. 13551 for acting or purporting to act, for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, Green Pine, an entity that was included in the Annex to E.O. 13551.

DPRK FINANCIAL REPRESENTATIVES

The DPRK continues to use agents and individuals associated with its state-owned entities and banks to access the international financial system to conduct illicit financial activity. They have long-standing networks of front or shell companies and use embassy personnel to move money and procure materiel for the DPRK’s WMD and ballistic missile programs as well as to procure conventional weapons.

•   So Myong is the chief representative of FTB in Vladivostok, Russia and has facilitated financial transfers on behalf of designated DPRK financial institutions and weapons trading entities and including representatives, of the U.S.-designated Second Academy of Natural Sciences. So Myong is designated pursuant to E.O. 13382 for having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, FTB.

•   Choe Un Hyok is a KUDB representative in Russia who has coordinated multiple payments to an entity subordinate to the U.S. and UN-designated, Munitions Industry Department. Choe Un Hyok is designated pursuant to E.O. 13722 for having acted or purported to act for or on behalf, of, directly or indirectly, KUDB.

•   Jang Myong Chol is a KCB representative in China that has facilitated transactions worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. Jang Myong Chol is designated, pursuant to E.O. 13810 for having acted or purported to act for on or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, KCB.

DPRK FRONT COMPANIES

Additionally, OFAC is designating two individuals that have generated revenue for the Government of North Korea and were previously designated by the European Union for generating revenue through the exportation of DPRK workers.

•   Choe Song Chol and Im Song Sun have represented front companies for UN and U.S.-designated MOP. MOP was designated pursuant to E.O. 13722 for having engaged in, facilitated, or been responsible for the exportation of workers from North Korea [OFAC Press Release]

Choe Song Chol and Im Song Sun are being designated pursuant to E.O. 13810 for being North Korean persons, including a North Korean person who has engaged in commercial activity that generates revenue for the Government of North Korea or the Worker’s Party of Korea.

A CYBER ESPIONAGE UNIT WITH STRATEGIC SIGNIFICANCE

Active since 2012, Kimsuky is subordinate to the UN- and U.S. designated Reconnaissance General Bureau (RGB), the DPRK’s primary foreign intelligence service. On August 30, 2010, OFAC designated the RGB by adding it to the annex of E.O. 13551. OFAC subsequently re-designated the RGB on January 2, 2015 pursuant to E.O. 13687 for being a controlled entity of the Government of North Korea. Malicious cyber activity associated with the Kimsuky advanced persistent threat is also known in the cybersecurity industry as APT43, Emerald Sleet, Velvet Chollima, TA406, and Black Banshee.

Although Kimsuky is primarily an intelligence collection entity, its cyber espionage campaigns directly support the DPRK’s strategic and nuclear ambitions. Kimsuky primarily uses spear-phishing to target individuals employed by government, research centers, think tanks, academic institutions, and news media organizations, including entities in Europe, Japan, Russia, South Korea, and the United States. Kimsuky employs social engineering to collect intelligence on geopolitical events, foreign policy strategies, and diplomatic efforts affecting its interests by gaining illicit access to the private documents, research, and communications of their targets.

Kimsuky is being designated pursuant to E.O. 13687, for being an agency, instrumentality, or a controlled entity of the Government of North Korea.

SANCTIONS IMPLICATIONS

As a result of today’s action, pursuant to E.O.s 13687, 13382, 13551, 13722, and 13810, all property and interests in property of the persons named above that are in the United States, or in the possession or control of U.S. persons, are blocked and must be reported to OFAC. In addition, any entities that are owned, directly or indirectly, 50 percent or more by one or more blocked persons are also blocked.

Unless authorized by a general or specific license issued by OFAC, or otherwise exempt, OFAC’s regulations generally prohibit all transactions by U.S. persons or within (or transiting) the United States that involve any property or interests in property of designated or otherwise blocked persons. The prohibitions include the making of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services by, to, or for the benefit of any blocked person or the receipt of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services from any such person.

In addition, persons that engage in certain transactions with the individuals or entities designated today may themselves be exposed to designation. Furthermore, any foreign financial institution that knowingly facilitates a significant transaction or provides significant financial services for any of the individuals or entities designated today could be subject to U.S. correspondent or payable-through account sanctions.

The power and integrity of OFAC sanctions derive not only from its ability to designate and add persons to the SDN List, but also from its willingness to remove persons from the SDN List consistent with the law. The ultimate goal of sanctions is not to punish, but to bring about a positive change in behavior.  For information concerning the process for seeking removal from an OFAC list, including the SDN List, please refer to OFAC’s Frequently Asked Question 897.

For more information available.

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According to Arirang News: Foreign affairs correspondent Bae Eun-ji

Written : 2023-12-01 14:00:00 KST Updated  2023-12-01 16:15:30 KST

Sanctions have been slapped on individuals believed to have played a part in Pyongyang's latest satellite mission.

South Korea has imposed new sanctions targeting 11 North Koreans involved in the regime's satellite and missile development.

Newly added to an existing sanctions list are five individuals linked to the North's satellite program, four of whom are at North Korea's National Aerospace Development Administration: Lee Chul-joo, Kim In-bum, Ko Kwang-yong and Choi Myung-soo.

 Kang Sun, the manager of the Ryongsong Machine Complex, a machinery plant where Kim Jong-un visited last Sunday was also put on the list.

Also added to the list are six individuals involved in developing and operating ballistic missiles.

They include those at the Munitions Industry Department,  Choi Il-hwan and  Choi Myung-chol; head of the 727 research center  Kim Yong-hwan; Lieutenant-General Kim Jun-kyo of the Korean People's Army; manager of the Tae-sung Machine Factory Choi Byung-wan; and an official at the North Korean embassy in Russia Jin Su-nam.

South Korea is the first in the world to issue sanctions on ten of these individuals, except for Jin Su-nam.

With the sanctions now in place, those wishing to engage in financial transactions with these individuals must obtain permission from the governor of the Bank of Korea or the Financial Services Commission.

Announcing the measure on Friday, South Korea's foreign ministry said the government will continue to respond firmly to North Korea's illicit activities that pose a serious threat to national security.

This marks the 13th time that the Yoon administration has imposed unilateral sanctions on North Korea.

So far since President Yoon took office, a total of 75 individuals and 53 agencies have been put on the sanctions list.

The latest measure was issued in coordination with the U.S., Japan, and Australia, which all imposed separate sanctions on different North Korean individuals and organizations on the same day.

The U.S. State Department said in a statement that this reflects the four countries' collective commitment to contesting Pyongyang's illicit and destabilizing activities.

AUGUST 23, 2023

Statement from NSC Spokesperson Adrienne Watson on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s Space Launch

STATEMENTS AND RELEASES

The United States strongly condemns the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) for its launch using ballistic missile technology, which despite its failure, is a brazen violation of multiple UN Security Council resolutions, raises tensions, and risks destabilizing the security situation in the region and beyond.  This space launch involved technologies that are directly related to the DPRK intercontinental ballistic missile program.  The President’s national security team is assessing the situation in close coordination with our allies and partners.  We urge all countries to condemn this launch and call on the DPRK to come to the table for serious negotiations.  The door has not closed on diplomacy but Pyongyang must immediately cease its provocative actions and instead choose engagement.  The United States will take all necessary measures to ensure the security of the American homeland and the defense of our Republic of Korea and Japanese allies.

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N. Korea fires two short-range ballistic missiles
in retaliation against Seoul-Washington ...

According to Arirang News September 1, 2023, Choi Min-jung, Reporter. 

North Korea has fired two short-range ballistic missiles, in a display of discontent over Seoul and Washington's combined military drills.

South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff on Wednesday midnight spotted that North Korea had launched two SRBMs, between 11:40 and 11:50 PM. toward the East Sea from the Sunan area.

The JCS confirmed that both flew around 3-hundred-60 kilometers before landing in the East Sea.

Considering the flight distance, it seems likely that the launch was a test to show that the North is capable of hitting South Korea's Gyeryongdae military complex, where the headquarters of the Army, Navy, and Air Force are located.

Earlier this month, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un was spotted at a Central Military Commission meeting, pointing at an area close to Gyeryongdae.

Wednesday's provocation is the first ballistic missile launch in almost 40 days.

The launch appears to be a retaliation against Seoul and Washington's Ulchi Freedom Shield Exercise.

As part of the exercise, South Korea and the U.S. on Wednesday held a joint air drill over the West Sea involving a U.S. B-1B strategic bomber.

The deployment of the U.S. strategic bomber, dubbed "the swan of death", has prompted a reaction from North Korea in the past, which included missile launches.

The JCS strongly condemned the launch, calling it an act of significant provocation that undermines peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and for the international community.

It added it would thoroughly carry out UFS drills while closely monitoring the North's activities.

The U.S. also denounced Pyongyang's provocations and reaffirmed its ironclad commitment to South Korea.

"This launch is in violation of multiple United Nations Security Council resolutions and possesses a threat to the DPRK's neighbors and international community. Our commitment to the defense of the Republic of Korea, Japan remains ironclad."

North Korea's state-run media also reported Thursday, that its leader visited the military's command post on Tuesday, as the regime commenced a command drill involving the entire army.

The aim of the drill was full war preparation.

There, Kim stressed that modern warfare is a battle of brains, noting that victory is determined by the decisions of commanders.

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Air forces from S. Korea, U.S. holds live fire exercise on Thursday

Aug 31, 2023

\

Lee Rae-hyun, Arirang News:  On the last day of the annual military exercise between South Korea and the U.S., forces from the two countries conducted a live fire drill, aimed at countering North Korea's growing threats.

The air forces of South Korea and the U.S. on Thursday held a live fire exercise together over the West Sea.

This was part of the Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise which involved air-to-air missiles and air-to-surface missiles.

Around 30 fighter jets and attack aircraft were deployed where the joint forces practiced striking a simulated target.

South Korea's fighter jets including F-35As and F-15Ks launched an air-to-air missile to intercept and strike a drone target which performed as a low-altitude cruise missile.

Air-to-surface missiles including GBU-56s were then launched to destroy the opponent's defense structure.

The GBU-56 which features a semi-active rader homing system is capable of targeting mobile weaponry such as a transporter erector launcher.

"We have reaffirmed the excellent performance of the Korean-made FA-50 jet and the Guided Bomb and improved our strike capability. We pledge to use this skill to immediately punish enemies in any possible provocations."

Captain John Flanagan, who took part in the drills, also said that Seoul-Washington integration is still evident and paramount today even after American pilots defended South Korea's freedom 70 years ago.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of Seoul's Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Kim Seung-kyum met General Anthony Cotton --the Commander of U.S. Strategic Command --who's currently visiting South Korea.

The meeting took place at the B-1 Bunker in southern Seoul, making Cotton, who visited the country for the first time since taking office in December last year, the first U.S. strategic commander to visit the wartime bunker.

They shared their assessment of the security situation in the region, including North Korea's nuclear and missile threats.

They agreed to bolster cooperation between Seoul's JCS and the U.S. Strategic Command, and also decided to closely cooperate with South Korea's envisioned "strategic command," which will be established next year.

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S. Korea, U.S. conduct combined maritime infiltration training
as part of UFS exercise

 Aug 29, 2023

Arirang news  reports that  the special forces from South Korea and the United States have been out in the ocean for the past couple of days to master techniques for maritime infiltration. It's among the dozens of field training as part of the ongoing Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise.

Arirang defense correspondent Choi Min-jung reports that special operations forces from South Korea and the U.S. head toward the shore on rubber boats, keeping their positions low.  A number of the special forces personnel swim the rest of the way, cautiously making sure it's safe for the rest of the team to arrive.

This is a glimpse of the combined training that Seoul and Washington do on a daily basis,.. to infiltrate the enemy's base.

Since last week, in Yangyang County, Gangwon-do Province, around a hundred personnel from South Korea's Army and U.S. Special Operations Command Korea have been conducting field training exercises to enhance skills in maritime infiltration.

The training is part of the Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise which runs until Thursday.

This combined special operation is aimed at strengthening Seoul and Washington's interoperability.

"Combined special operations capabilities could be further strengthened by mastering various tasks with the U.S. Special Operations Command Korea. We will continue to train and establish a perfect readiness so that we can accomplish any mission in case of emergency."

Seoul and Washington's special forces master maritime infiltration techniques including special strike operations and close combat techniques.

The U.S.' Captain, J, said the training is also focused on building the skills of leaders at every level,.. noting it as being the most important resource.

He also underlined strong teamwork with South Korean forces.

"For 70 years, American and Korean soldiers have stood shoulder to shoulder dedicated to the defense of our homelands. Our ironclad alliance is integrated at every level from the strategic to the tactical. I am proud to work with my Korean brothers.   !"

Let's go together, Pilseung!

Going forward, Seoul and Washington's special forces vow to prepare for every scenario on air, land, and sea.

"U.S.! Korea! We go together!"

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UN member states send additional military personnel to S. Korea,

to support annual combined exercise

The annual summertime combined exercise between South Korea and the U.S., to bolster readiness against the North's escalating threat, will take place until Friday.

And this year, service members from other United Nations member states are also taking part, for stronger interoperability on the Korean Peninsula.

Bae Eun-ji has more.

Nine other United Nations member states other than the U.S. have sent additional military personnel to support this year's Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise, which focuses on preparing for a rapid transition to wartime operations, in case of an attack from North Korea.

That includes Australia, Canada, Britain, New Zealand and Italy.

At Camp Humphreys, a U.S. military base in South Korea, on Wednesday, service members who took part explained what they were able to learn throughout the training.

Canadian Army Major Simon Johnson, who works as the operations officer of the United Nations Command, explains that Canada has sent over 20 participants to South Korea for the exercise.

"It enables us to really understand how one another operate. And if things were to escalate on the peninsula, we already have a team of people who have common understanding of what needs to be done: how the ground looks like, how the headquarters operate."

Lieutenant commander Kang Hyung-wook, from the Canadian Navy, who has been working in the United Nations Command since last summer,..shared a story of his grandfather who was killed in action during the Korean War.

His grandfather's last words written on a picture of him read: "I will complete my mission and protect the country with my life."

"My father was only one year old at the time, so I wasn't able to hear a lot of personal stories. But my grandfather must have been very young at the time he fought in the war, and I always remember that while I serve in the military and it means a lot to me."

Corporal Sion Owen from the British Air Force, whose role is to be a direct link between the United Nations Command and the surgeon’s office, says while taking part in the drill, they were able to get a good insight into how other countries work within their militaries.

"We’re one of the member states, so we’ll need to get involved and ensure that we’re working collectively so that if real-life scenarios came into place, we would all know what we’re doing."

Natacha Baugen from the New Zealand Air Force, who is a legal advisor at the United Nations Command said it was interesting to see how they can strengthen the interoperability to support the Korean Peninsula.

"It’s been a really interesting experience.  A variety of different nations supporting the exercise, learning about their backgrounds, learning about their, for me, their legal considerations has been really fascinating."

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North Korea showcases new tactical nuclear attack submarine
amid rising concerns of alliance ....

North Korea continues to strengthen and show off its naval forces.

This time the regime unveiled what it claims to be its first tactical nuclear attack submarine during a launch ceremony on Wednesday.

Our Lee Soo-jin tells us more.

North Korea continues to take an aggressive nuclear stance.

North Korea's state-run Rodong Sinmun reported on Friday that North Korea unveiled a new tactical nuclear attack submarine.

Its launch ceremony was attended by leader Kim Jong-un.

The submarine, named "Hero Kim Kun Ok," is supposedly the North's first that is capable of nuclear attacks underwater.

The report added that Kim said during the ceremony on Wednesday that the "nuclear armament of the navy can no longer be delayed" and that North Korea needs to accelerate efforts to supply the navy with submarines loaded with tactical nuclear weapons so that it can "smoothly carry out its strategic mission."

This comes amid reports of North Korea and Russia moving to strengthen their partnership.

According to Russia's state-owned Sputnik News, North Korean ambassador to Russia Sin Hong-chul said on Thursday that Russia and North Korea will "strengthen their comradeship and stand in solidarity as they fight the common enemy".

The remark was made during a celebration held at the North Korean embassy in Russia to mark North Korea's upcoming 75th founding anniversary.

Meanwhile, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris said in an interview broadcast on the same day that it would be a "huge mistake" for North Korea to supply ammunition to Russia amid its invasion of Ukraine.

She also said during the interview with CBS News held on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit in Indonesia that she believes that such moves will only further isolate both Russia and North Korea.

The comments reiterate the Biden administration's firm stance against North Korea supplying Russia with weapons as it comes just days after White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said that North Korea will "pay a price" if it moves forward with an arms deal.

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Kim Jong Un Adds Showstopper Submarine To North Korea's Navy,
Will Tactical Nuke Sub Keep US At Bay?

CRUX: North Korea launched its first operational “tactical nuclear attack submarine” on September 6. It has been named “Hero Kim Kun-ok” after a prominent North Korean historical figure and given the hull number 841. Official photos suggested the launch was a festive occasion with colourful balloons and confetti with the North Korean President overseeing the event. The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said the submarine “heralded the beginning of a new chapter” for North Korea’s navy.

On Wednesday, he held a dialogue with the 10-member ASEAN bloc, and outlined ways to put into action his Korea-ASEAN Solidarity Initiative, which pursues freedom, peace and prosperity in the region.

The South Korean leader also called for greater cooperation at the ASEAN plus 3 meeting with Japan and China, particularly on curbing North Korea's nuclear program.

Here's our correspondent Oh Soo-young reporting from Jakarta.

President Yoon Suk Yeol has called for strong, concerted efforts to end North Korea's nuclear and missile development, and pushed for trilateral cooperation with Japan and China for regional peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.

Holding a bilateral dialogue with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in Jakarta, the South Korean leader on Wednesday outlined ways to put into action his Korea-ASEAN Solidarity Initiative, which pursues freedom, peace and prosperity in the region.

First, addressing regional security, Yoon highlighted Pyongyang's weapons programme as a serious threat to peace on the Korean Peninsula, the Indo-Pacific and a direct challenge to global non-proliferation efforts.

Reacting to news of potential arms cooperation between North Korea and Russia,.. Yoon said “attempts at military cooperation with North Korea that harm the peace of the international community must be stopped immediately."

He requested ASEAN's cooperation in denuclearizing the North and ending its illicit funding activities such as cryptocurrency theft and dispatching overseas workers.

On wider regional security, he proposed strengthening cooperation in the defense industry, cyber security, and transnational crimes involving drugs, and terrorism.

He emphasized that peace and stability in the South China Sea, a key maritime transportation route in the region, is essential for the prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region, pledging to ramp up support for the maritime law enforcement capabilities of ASEAN countries and expanding joint training.

Also presenting ways to strengthen economic links with Korea's second-largest export market, Yoon pledged efforts to foster collaborations between Korean and ASEAN youth on digital technologies, and increased support for development projects in the Mekong area.

On non-traditional security issues, Yoon reaffirmed support for the regional bloc's climate response, its capacity to produce vaccines and develop treatments for infectious diseases.

To tackle such global challenges, the South Korean leader proposed further cooperation measures as the rotating chair of the ASEAN +3 meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Chinese Premier Li Qiang.

These include food security, innovation and supply chain security, and investing in future generations by nurturing talents in science.

Amid geopolitical tensions surrounding China in the Indo-Pacific, particularly with President Xi Jiping sitting out the ASEAN and G20 summits, Yoon called for a resumption of trilateral dialogue between the Northeast Asian countries.

"Yoon is expected to renew his call for a strong response to North Korea's provocations, and cooperation for the peace and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific, as he attends the East Asia Summit on Thursday and the G20 summit in India on Friday where the United States, China and Russia will also participate.

Oh Soo-young, Arirang News, Jakarta."

How would a nuclear war between Russia and the US affect you personally?

AUGUST 23, 2023

Statement from NSC Spokesperson Adrienne Watson on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s Space Launch

STATEMENTS AND RELEASES

The United States strongly condemns the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) for its launch using ballistic missile technology, which despite its failure, is a brazen violation of multiple UN Security Council resolutions, raises tensions, and risks destabilizing the security situation in the region and beyond.  This space launch involved technologies that are directly related to the DPRK intercontinental ballistic missile program.  The President’s national security team is assessing the situation in close coordination with our allies and partners.  We urge all countries to condemn this launch and call on the DPRK to come to the table for serious negotiations.  The door has not closed on diplomacy but Pyongyang must immediately cease its provocative actions and instead choose engagement.  The United States will take all necessary measures to ensure the security of the American homeland and the defense of our Republic of Korea and Japanese allies.

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The United States strongly condemns the DPRK for its test of a long-range ballistic missile. The President and his national security team are assessing the situation in close coordination with our allies and partners.  This launch is a brazen violation of multiple UN Security Council resolutions and needlessly raises tensions and risks destabilizing the security situation in the region. This action demonstrates that the DPRK continues to prioritize its unlawful weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs over the well-being of its people.  We urge all countries to condemn these violations and call on the DPRK to come to the table for serious negotiations.  The door has not closed on diplomacy, but Pyongyang must immediately cease its destabilizing actions and instead choose diplomatic engagement.  The United States will take all necessary measures to ensure the security of the American homeland and Republic of Korea and Japanese allies.

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According to Arirang News April 12th, 2023, Bae Eun-ji, Arirang News.North Korea test-fired yet another intercontinental ballistic missile but for the first time in a month.

This time, it's presumed to be a new type of weapon.

The missile is assumed to be a solid fuel missile that is harder to detect before launch meaning it's hard to prepare any sort of response.

Developing this type of missile is one of the five key tasks of the Kim Jong-un regime.

Our national security correspondent Bae Eun-ji reports.

North Korea on Thursday morning fired what could be a new type of ballistic missile.

South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said that at around 7:23 AM, it detected an intermediate-range or longer missile fired from near Pyongyang.

It added the missile was launched at a high angle and flew about one-thousand kilometers before landing in the East Sea.

The military said it's maintaining strong defense readiness, by closely cooperating with the U.S.

"Because it was launched at a high angle, we believe its range was longer than that of an intermediate-range missile when launched at a normal angle. But more analysis is needed to confirm this."

While the military is carrying out further analysis, a military official told reporters that the launch may have involved a new type of weapon displayed at a recent military parade and that the military was not ruling out the possibility of it being a solid-fuel ICBM.

This is one of the five military tasks that the regime's leader, Kim Jong-un, announced at the key party meeting in January 2021, and was displayed for the first time at a military parade in February.

On Monday at its 6th enlarged meeting of the 8th Central Military Commission of the Workers’ Party of Korea, Kim also stressed the need to expand the regime's war deterrence in a more practical, offensive, and effective way.

Thursday's missile test comes just two days ahead of what North Korea calls the "Day of the Sun" on April 15th, marking the birthday of its founding leader Kim Il-sung.

And it also comes as the North has remained unresponsive to routine calls with South Korea for around a week.

The inter-Korean liaison communication channel and a military hotline are normally used twice a day, but there has been no response via either channel since last Friday.

Experts have said Pyongyang's move appears to be in protest over the ongoing security cooperation between Seoul and Washington.

North Korea’s Missile Launch Forces Japan to Evacuate Citizens | Vantage with Palki Sharma

Firstpost, April 12th, 2023,   North Korea’s Missile Launch Forces Japan to Evacuate Citizens | Vantage with Palki Sharma

Early on Thursday, a new ballistic missile launch by North Korea forced Japan to issue emergency evacuation orders for the residents of Hokkaido. Are North Korea’s missile launches now becoming a threat to neighboring countries’ populace? Palki Sharma decodes.

“New Type” of North Korean Missile Sparks Frenzy in Japan | Kim Close to Getting Solid-fuel Rockets?.

Arirang News, Busan Kim,  Yeon-seung reported that,a U.S. strategic asset, the nuclear-powered warship USS Nimitz has arrived in South Korea's port city of Busan.

It's deemed as a show of the robust Seoul-Washington alliance amid growing threats from North Korea.

Defense correspondent Kim Yeon-seung was there at the site.

An American symbol of power docked at the port city of Busan.

"It's here. One of the world's largest and most power-packed American warships -the USS Nimitz.

The sheer length of this flight deck that I'm standing on is more than three times the length of a soccer field."

The USS Nimitz is a warship specifically designed for air missions.

It's capable of carrying up to around 70 aircraft, including a mix of fighter jets such as the F/A-18 Super Hornets and EA-18G Growlers, as well as helicopters such as the MH-60 Sierra for search and rescue operations.

With an immense displacement of roughly 100-thousand tons, the ship also carries around 5-thousand personnel with it.

This supercarrier arrived at the South Korean fleet command at Busan Tuesday morning after wrapping up combined drills with the South Korean navy in international waters south of the southern island of Jeju on Monday.

Back in South Korea after 10 years, it's here in time for the 70th anniversary of the Korean armistice.

Its visit also takes place while tensions continue to rise on the Korean Peninsula, as North Korea continues dialing up their weapons tests and fiery tone.

"One, it's an opportunity to reinforce the mission readiness between the ROK navy and the United States Navy.

Second is, I think, it's a great representation of the United States' ironclad commitment to the safety and security of Republic of Korea."

"We don't seek conflict with the DPRK, we see peace and security we're not going to be coerced were not going to be bullies bullied and we're not going anywhere."

This comes as North Korea fired off two short-range ballistic missiles into waters off the east coast of the Korean Peninsula on Monday morning, in a clear protest of this U.S. war vessel being deployed to South Korea.

The USS Nimitz and the U.S. Navy will conduct trilateral exercises with the South Korean navy and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force before they pull out of Busan.

Statement by NSC Spokesperson Adrienne Watson on the
Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s ICBM Test

STATEMENTS AND RELEASES

The United States strongly condemns the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s (DPRK) Intercontinental ballistic missile test. This launch is a flagrant violation of multiple UN Security Council resolutions. While U.S. INDOPACOM has assessed it did not pose an immediate threat to U.S. personnel, or territory, or to our allies, this launch needlessly raises tensions and risks destabilizing the security situation in the region. It only demonstrates that the DPRK continues to prioritize its unlawful weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs

over the well-being of its people. We urge all countries to condemn these violations and call on the DPRK to cease its destabilizing actions and engage in serious dialogue. The national security team is closely coordinating with our allies and partners. The United States will take all necessary measures to ensure the security of the American homeland and Republic of Korea and Japanese allies.

###

N. Korean leader calls for North to stand ready
with nuclear attacks to deter war: KCNA

Arirang News dated March 19th, 2023, Kim Yeon-seung reports: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un called for the regime to stand fully ready with nuclear attacks to deter war, in a remark made during a military drill over the weekend.

The North's state-led Korean Central News Agency reported on Monday morning that North Korean troops on Saturday and Sunday trained to improve their nuclear attack skills in a two-day course.

Kim Jong-un oversaw over the training, and again brought his daughter along, who seems to be Kim Jong-un's protégé. te;gé.

Kim added in his statement that simply having nuclear weapons is no longer enough to deter war--the North must strike fear to enemies by becoming ready with its nuclear attacks.

It added that the missile achieved its target by flying 800 kilometers to blow up 800 meters above the sea.

It also said the drill did not in any way harm the safety of neighboring countries.

South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff also confirmed on Sunday that they detected a short-range ballistic missile flying for about 800 kilometers and fired off toward the East Sea.

This missile firing comes in the middle of Freedom Shield, the 11-day-long Seoul-Washington joint drill.

North Korea has been protesting against these war games by ramping up its weapons tests and increasing hostility in its rhetoric.

The United States strongly condemns the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s (DPRK) Intercontinental ballistic missile test. This launch is a flagrant violation of multiple UN Security Council resolutions. While U.S. INDOPACOM has assessed it did not pose an immediate threat to U.S. personnel, or territory, or to our allies, this launch needlessly raises tensions and risks destabilizing the security situation in the region. It only demonstrates that the DPRK continues to prioritize its unlawful weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs

over the well-being of its people. We urge all countries to condemn these violations and call on the DPRK to cease its destabilizing actions and engage in serious dialogue. The national security team is closely coordinating with our allies and partners. The United States will take all necessary measures to ensure the security of the American homeland and Republic of Korea and Japanese allies.

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Wikipedia shows that At a parade on 8 February 2023 marking the 75th anniversary of the Korean People’s Army, twelve Hwasong-17s on mobile launchers were displayed. Depending on the exact number of missiles and potential multiple reentry vehicles, North Korea could technically have reached the point where they have enough ICBMs carrying enough warheads to overwhelm the existing amount of GMD interceptors, although no multiple warhead tests had yet been conducted.

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38north.org, reported on February 15, 2023: Displaying Multiple Hwasong-17 ICBMs

The four probable solid ICBM launchers were preceded in the parade by eleven 11-axle road-mobile launchers carrying HS-17 liquid-propellant ICBMs (with a 12th launcher nearby in case needed to fill in for a breakdown). Only four HS-17 launchers had been seen at one time previously. Moreover, the HS-17 and solid ICBM launchers (like that for the already-deployed HS-15 ICBM) are based on the Chinese WS51200 truck chassis, of which North Korea previously was known to have only eight and China was only reported to have supplied six. This indicates that China has been supplying additional such chassis and/or that North Korea has developed the capability to produce such chassis itself. Either way, it may be that obtaining additional large chassis is no longer a significant constraint on North Korean mobile ICBM deployments, although we still do not know how many chassis the DPRK can import from China and/or produce indigenously.

Parading “tactical nuclear weapons operation units” highlights the nuclear threat to Seoul and US forces on the peninsula in addition to furthering the other objectives noted above, and probably also seeks to foment tensions in the Alliance. In underscoring both ICBMs and “tactical nukes” together, Pyongyang is sending a strong deterrence message while probably seeking to dissuade American escalation in a crisis or provocation and erode Seoul’s confidence in the credibility of US extended deterrence.

Oh Soo-young, Arirang News, dated Feb 20th, 2023, North Korea continues with its missile launches, firing two more short-range ballistic missiles this morning.

This follows just two days after an ICBM launch in response to the allies’ joint exercises.

The regime also warns South Korea and the U.S. that it could turn the Pacific into a “firing range.”

Our defense ministry correspondent Oh Soo-young talked to military officials and experts to read between the lines.

North Korea's missile launches over the past three days were aimed at making a political point, rather than a technological improvement.

The regime's firing of two short-range ballistic missiles into the East Sea on Monday was followed by unusually swift state media reports denouncing South Korea and the United States' combined air drills held the day before.

The exercise had mobilized key U.S. strategic assets, including B-1B bombers and F-35 stealth fighters, in response to North Korea's firing of an intercontinental ballistic missile on Saturday.

Compared to past reports by the North, which included specifics about new technical enhancements to its weapons through testing, the North Korean report focused on condemning the South Korea-U.S. alliance, and the allies' scheduled joint drills.

While the regime bragged about its tactical nuclear weapons systems, and threatened to use the Pacific as a missile firing range, South Korean military officials and experts say the frenzied statements reveal little about the North's actual capabilities.

"It is clear that the N. Korean government and armed forces are feeling pressure to demonstrate that the ICBM of N. Korea ranging from Hwasong 15 to 17, are indeed capable of hitting the U.S.. The country has not mastered the essential technology to have the ICBMs re-enter the atmosphere without any significant damages."

Also, an official at Seoul's Joint Chiefs of Staff told reporters Monday that it's unlikely Pyongyang is able to mount a nuclear warhead onto the 600-milimeter multiple rocket launcher used Monday morning, as verifying this would require further weapons testing.

The official added that the North, on Saturday, is likely to have chosen to launch the smaller Hwasong-15 ICBM, rather than the newest Hwasong-17, as the earlier model is closer to completion, now likely in the final stage of verification.

The North's testing of the Hwasong-17 ended in failure last November, as it broke apart and crashed into the sea after second stage separation.

Also, by launching the smaller ICBM, it seems the North is saving room for bigger provocations.

Seoul and Washington believe the North may escalate its activities over the coming weeks, as it has key state anniversaries and a satellite launch coming up in April.

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Arirang also reported on Feb 21st, 2023 that South Korea conducted an air-to-air refueling drill on Tuesday, proving its ability to operate advanced fighter jets amid North Korea's growing threat to security. The Air Force mobilized its latest F-35A --the so-called "Freedom Knight" --stealth fighter and a KC-330 multipurpose refueling tanker. The F-35A comes with advanced stealth and electronic warfare capabilities and flies faster than the speed of sound with a maximum speed of Mach 1-point-6. Its stealth function allows it to go undetected by enemy radars, and infiltrate enemy territory and strike key targets. This is the first time the air force has publicly announced that it has carried out a refueling drill.

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"We intend for the public to clearly recognize the reality and seriousness of the North Korean threat. In particular, the report states clearly that ‘the North Korean regime and military are our enemies.'"

The report refers to how the North described the South as a “clear enemy" in December, and how Pyongyang aims for the "communization" of the entire Korean Peninsula.

It also points to the North's continued military provocations and incursions into the South as well as maritime buffer zones, particularly its violations of the 2018 inter-Korean agreement on defusing tensions across the heavily armed border.

According to the white paper, Pyongyang has also continued to produce weapons-grade nuclear materials.

The paper also added new seven new models to the list of the North's known projectiles. These include close-range and short-range ballistic missiles, submarine-launched ballistic missiles, hypersonics, and the massive Hwasong-17 intercontinental ballistic missile.

In light of these threats, Seoul aims to strengthen its 3-axis system, focusing more on pre-emptive strikes and retaliatory measures that could take out the North Korean leadership.

"So it really clears any kind of uncertainty regarding what kind of strategies South Korea has, especially when it comes to N. Korea. So it means that the South Korea military is going to have to take a proactive posture to deter from North Korea, and also it means more cross coordination with the U.S. which is our most important ally."

The paper offers greater detail on implementing Washington's Extended Deterrence policy that offers security assurance for allies under conventional or nuclear attack.

In its bid to strengthen security ties with Washington and Tokyo, Seoul describes Japan as a “close” neighbour which shares its values, highlighting the need to build "futuristic, cooperative relations".

Still, Seoul says it remains firmly against Japan’s revisionist historical and territorial claims.

Looking beyond Korean Peninsula, South Korea also sets out to play a greater role in regional security, and is reviewing more specific ways to enhance cooperation with Indo-Pacific countries.

"To address both existing and emerging security threats, the white paper also lays out plans to transform the military with cutting-edge technologies ranging from AI to cyber warfare and space tech.