Cheong Wa Dae: 'Trump's message on reducing joint drills draws attention... expecting Korean Peninsula peace talks'

South Korea's presidential office, Cheong Wa Dae, is paying close attention to U.S. President Donald Trump's recent directive to significantly scale back joint military exercises with South Korea. The office expressed hope that Trump's positive relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un could pave the way for meaningful inter-Korean dialogue and promote peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.

“

The government is paying attention to President Trump's SNS message today.

Cheong Wa Dae stated, "The government is paying attention to President Trump's SNS message today." It added, "To this end, we will continue to make necessary diplomatic efforts as a peacemaker in close coordination with the U.S. Both South Korea and the U.S. have closely coordinated on maintaining a firm combined defense posture and on joint exercises and training, and we will continue to coordinate on specific matters related to this."

“

To this end, we will continue to make necessary diplomatic efforts as a peacemaker in close coordination with the U.S. Both South Korea and the U.S. have closely coordinated on maintaining a firm combined defense posture and on joint exercises and training, and we will continue to coordinate on specific matters related to this.

Earlier, President Trump posted on his Truth Social account that he has a "very good relationship" with Kim Jong Un and had instructed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to "drastically reduce" joint military training, noting it was "too late to cancel" the exercises. This statement came on the same day as the start of the annual South Korea-U.S. combined exercise, Ulchi Freedom Shield (UFS). The remarks were interpreted as Trump signaling his intent to revive inter-Korean talks.

“

drastically reduce

President Trump also mentioned asking the South Korean president about participating in Iran's denuclearization, to which they reportedly replied, "We decline." Regarding this, Cheong Wa Dae explained, "The government has actively participated in international discussions for a ceasefire in Iran and the restoration of free passage in the Strait of Hormuz. Considering factors such as the Korean Peninsula's defense posture and domestic legal procedures, we are closely discussing practical and military contributions with the U.S. side."

“

too late to cancel