South Korea Backs Trump's Dialogue Efforts With North Korea

South Korea has expressed strong support for U.S. President Donald Trump's diplomatic overtures toward North Korea. President Lee Joe Myung stated that Seoul shares Trump's commitment to fostering dialogue for peace on the Korean Peninsula, even if it necessitates scaling back joint military exercises with the United States.

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We share President Trump's efforts to create the conditions for a dialogue to establish a peace regime on the Korean Peninsula, even if this means reducing joint military exercises between South Korea and the U.S.

"We share President Trump's efforts to create the conditions for a dialogue to establish a peace regime on the Korean Peninsula, even if this means reducing joint military exercises between South Korea and the U.S.," Lee wrote on X, formerly Twitter. He added that he "fully agrees" with Trump that South Korea must bear responsibility for security on the peninsula.

Trump had previously announced a significant reduction in military drills with South Korea, attributing this decision partly to his "very good" relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Trump noted that North Korea had not posed a threat and had behaved respectfully during his presidency, making the ongoing drills seem "completely inappropriate and hostile."

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fully agrees

The current joint military exercise, "Ulchi Freedom Shield," will be shortened by half at the U.S.'s request and is set to conclude on Friday. This reduction in a major drill is reportedly unprecedented. Notably, South Korean Foreign Minister Co Hyun was reportedly not informed of Trump's plan before its online release.

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very good

North Korea continues to criticize the military exercises, with Kim Yo Jong, sister of the North Korean leader, stating that changes in the drills' scope and duration do not alter their "provocative and offensive character."

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completely inappropriate and hostile