South Korea’s President said Tuesday (August 18, 2026) that a solid alliance with the U.S. strengthens the foundation of national security, as many South Koreans were baffled and concerned about U.S.
President Donald Trump’s abrupt order to “substantially reduce” joint military exercises.
Mr. Mr. “It’s absurd that the U.S. appears to treat North Korea more respectfully than its ally South Korea. Mr.
It was unclear which parts of the 11-day South Korea-U.S. exercises were being downsized.
Trump cited what he said was a good relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and South Korea’s refusal to join the U.S. war against Iran. Trump’s announcement “reveals the stark reality of a faltering Korea-U.S. alliance, fuelling public anxiety,” South Korea’s Hankook Ilbo newspaper said in an editorial Tuesday (August 18). In a regular Cabinet meeting, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung stressed the importance of a firm military alliance with the U.S., saying that “national security will be further strengthened when the alliance is solid”. “When we build up our strengths, our value and importance as an ally will further grow,” said President Lee, a liberal who has called for a stronger, self-reliant defence posture. The South Korean and U.S. militaries earlier said their drills this year would be similar in scale to previous years and incorporate lessons from recent conflicts such as North Korea’s battlefield experiences in the Russia-Ukraine front. They also said the drills are defensive in nature. Trump said he asked Lee if South Korea would join the U.S. in the “denuclearisation” of Iran, “and they said, No thanks! President Lee’s office said South Korea and the U.S. are closely discussing practical and military contributions that South Korea can make to help restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
“South Korean leaders understand that relations with the Trump administration will be a constant renegotiation linking economic and security issues. Seoul is thus cautiously responding to recent developments within that framework,” Mr.
Easley said.
