South Korea Backs Trump’s Drill Cuts as Path to North Korea Talks

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has endorsed U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to scale back military exercises on the Korean Peninsula, presenting the move as an opportunity to rebuild trust with North Korea.

The annual Ulchi Freedom Shield drills, which began Monday, will now conclude Friday rather than continue for their customary 11-day duration.

Trump instructed the Pentagon to “substantially reduce” the exercises, citing their financial burden and his personal relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

A Step Away From Confrontation

In a message posted on X, Lee described the reduction of combined exercises and outdoor maneuvers as a significant departure from hostility and confrontation, according to South Korean outlet Chosun Biz.

The president expressed hope that the decision would help revive direct talks between Washington and Pyongyang and create the conditions for lasting stability on the peninsula.

Lee argued that a system in which military confrontation was no longer necessary would be “the most perfect security asset.”

He also reiterated his intention to facilitate dialogue between the two sides and support Trump’s efforts to address North Korea’s nuclear program through diplomacy.

Defense Spending to Reach 3.5 Percent

Despite backing the reduction in exercises, Lee pledged to strengthen South Korea’s independent defense capabilities and assume greater responsibility for the peninsula’s security.

Seoul is moving toward allocating the equivalent of 3.5 percent of its gross domestic product to defense, in line with an agreement reached between the two allies.

The commitment signals that South Korea intends to combine diplomatic engagement with expanded military expenditure rather than treat reduced exercises as a broader retreat from deterrence.

Iran Dispute Remains

Lee said Seoul would continue coordinating with the United States and the wider international community to support freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, subject to South Korean law and government policy.

The statement followed public criticism from Trump over Seoul’s refusal to support Washington’s military operation against Iran.

Trump claimed Monday that 39,000 American troops were stationed in South Korea and questioned why Seoul would not assist the U.S. against Tehran.

“We have 39,000 soldiers over there guarding you from Kim Jong Un, your next-door neighbor, and you're not going to help us on a very easy military operation in Iran? That's strange,” Trump said.

Lee nevertheless expressed interest in meeting Trump again in the United States as Seoul attempts to balance its alliance commitments, increased defense spending and renewed diplomacy with North Korea.