DP Leader Calls for Strengthening South Korea's Independent Security Amid Possible US-North Korea Relations Shift
Quick Look
- Democratic Party leader Rep.
- Kim Min-seok urged South Korea to bolster its independent security capabilities, citing potential shifts in US-North Korea relations toward a 'freeze-first' approach on North Korea's nuclear program, while also advocating for constitutional revision and prioritizing livelihoods and regional balance.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
South Korea has traditionally relied on its alliance with the United States for security against North Korea's nuclear and missile threats, but recent shifts in US foreign policy under President Trump, including scaled-back military exercises and expressed interest in direct talks with Kim Jong-un, have prompted calls for greater South Korean autonomy in defense and diplomacy.
SEOUL, Sept. 7 (Yonhap) -- The leader of the ruling Democratic Party (DP) on Monday called for strengthening South Korea's independent security capabilities, citing the possibility of a shift toward a "freeze-first" approach to North Korea's nuclear weapons program.
Rep. Kim Min-seok made the call in his policy address to the National Assembly session, stressing the need for Seoul to facilitate dialogue between the United States and North Korea while actively responding to possible changes in their relations.
"Considering the possibility that the United States and North Korea may achieve a dramatic improvement in relations and if by any chance, a 'freeze-first, resolve-later' approach could be adopted on the North Korean nuclear issue, South Korea must strengthen its independent security capabilities in advance," Kim said.
"The days when South Korea could depend solely on the United States are over," Kim added, noting that Washington is choosing to become "a tough negotiating partner rather than a generous big brother."
Kim also said Seoul should consider whether North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's "two-state" policy could be used to promote peaceful coexistence rather than dismissing it entirely.
Last month, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed his intention to meet Kim later this year and ordered the scaling back of a major South Korea-U.S. exercise, citing his "very good" relationship with Kim.
He also argued that the allies' drills are costly and can send a "totally inappropriate and hostile" signal to the North.
The scaled-back exercise raised concerns that it could weaken the allies' deterrence against Pyongyang's growing nuclear and missile threats.
On domestic issues, Kim pledged to push for a constitutional revision that reflects public consensus, while vowing to prioritize people's livelihoods and promote balanced regional development.
"While respecting the procedural principles of the current Constitution and laws, we will pursue a feasible constitutional amendment that reflects the changing times and people's demands," he said.
Kim's remarks came after National Assembly Speaker Cho Jeong-sik told a press conference that an incumbent president's eligibility to seek another term under a revised Constitution is ultimately up to the people.
The remarks prompted opposition lawmakers to question whether he had left open the possibility of President Lee Jae Myung seeking a second term.
What to Watch
AI outlook โ possibilities, not facts
South Korea will increase defense spending and pursue indigenous weapons development to bolster independent security capabilities.
Likely ยท Within months
Constitutional revision debates will intensify, particularly regarding presidential term limits, as opposition lawmakers continue to scrutinize the National Assembly Speaker's remarks.
Likely ยท Within weeks
Open Questions
- What specific measures will South Korea take to strengthen its independent security capabilities?
- How will the scaled-back US-South Korea exercises affect actual deterrence levels against North Korea?
- What form would a constitutional revision take, and what public consensus exists on presidential term limits?
- How might North Korea respond to South Korea's push for independent security while engaging in dialogue?
