On May 11, South Korean Defense Minister An Gyu-baek met with U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth in the United States.
According to Yonhap News, the two ministers held talks at the Pentagon near Washington, D.C.
This meeting marked the first time the defense ministers have convened since their discussions during the 57th Korea-U.S. Security Consultative Meeting (SCM) in Seoul on November 4 of the previous year.
In his opening remarks, Hegseth referenced the U.S. military operation against Iran, dubbed 'Epic Fury,' emphasizing the importance of the alliance's strength and urging partners to stand shoulder to shoulder with the U.S.
He further stated that South Korea's commitment to increasing its defense budget and taking a leading role in the defense of the Korean Peninsula is "very important," adding that it is essential for all U.S. partners to demonstrate true burden-sharing to build a resilient alliance and effectively deter regional adversaries.
Regarding South Korea's promise to increase its defense spending, the U.S. Department of Defense noted in a press release that expanding defense cost-sharing with allies and partner nations is one of four key priorities outlined in the 2026 U.S. National Defense Strategy (NDS), alongside homeland defense, deterring China through strength in the Indo-Pacific region, and strengthening the U.S. defense industrial base.
In his subsequent remarks, An highlighted the 'peace through strength' approach of the Trump administration and the need to enhance military capabilities in line with this philosophy. He stated, "We are making every effort to secure core national defense capabilities through increased defense spending to realize our leadership in the defense of the Korean Peninsula."
An emphasized, "The Korea-U.S. alliance has been a reliable foundation even in difficult times, and we will continue to work closely together with one voice in the future."
In a joint press release summarizing the meeting, both ministers discussed the security situation on the Korean Peninsula and reaffirmed that the upcoming Korea-U.S. Integrated Defense Consultative Body (KIDD) meeting in Washington this week will play a significant role in enhancing alliance cooperation and advancing the national interests of both countries. They agreed to maintain close communication and enhance cooperation in areas of mutual security interest.
The release also noted that Hegseth stressed the importance of adopting a realistic and practical approach to modernizing the alliance, deterring threats, and strengthening the Korea-U.S. combined defense posture.
Additionally, An explained South Korea's recent efforts to increase defense spending, secure core military capabilities, and take the lead in the defense of the Korean Peninsula.
The joint press release concluded that both ministers discussed key alliance issues, including the transfer of wartime operational control and alliance modernization, and agreed to strengthen future cooperation.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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