South Korea backs U.S. dialogue with North Korea, reduces joint drills

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has publicly endorsed U.S. President Donald Trump's recent initiatives aimed at fostering dialogue with North Korea. Lee stated his support for Trump's efforts to create conditions for dialogue and establish a peace regime on the Korean Peninsula, even if it involves scaling back joint military exercises between South Korea and the U.S.

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We support President D. Trump's efforts to create conditions for dialogue, aiming to establish a peace regime on the Korean Peninsula, even if it means reducing joint South Korea-U.S. military exercises.

"We support President D. Trump's efforts to create conditions for dialogue, aiming to establish a peace regime on the Korean Peninsula, even if it means reducing joint South Korea-U.S. military exercises," Lee wrote on platform X. He also expressed "full" agreement with Trump's assertion that South Korea should bear responsibility for its own security. Currently, approximately 28,500 U.S. troops are stationed in South Korea, a long-standing security arrangement since the Korean War.

President Trump had previously announced significant reductions in joint military drills with South Korea via his social media platform, Truth Social. He highlighted his "very good relationship" with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, describing the ongoing military exercises as sending a "completely inappropriate and hostile signal" to a country that posed no threat and behaved respectfully during his presidency. When asked by reporters if he expected to meet Kim Jong Un this year, Trump responded affirmatively.

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The reduction in the drills' scope and duration does not alter their provocative and aggressive nature.

In response to these developments, the South Korean General Staff announced that the ongoing "Ulchi Freedom Shield" military exercises would be shortened by half and conclude on Friday at the U.S.'s request. This marks the first time these large-scale, long-standing exercises have been significantly curtailed. Despite the reduction in scale, North Korea has maintained its critical stance. Kim Yo Jong, sister of Kim Jong Un, stated that the reduction in the drills' scope and duration does not alter their "provocative and aggressive nature," characterizing them as hostile maneuvers against North Korea. She also noted that while she was unaware of direct communication between the North Korean and U.S. leaders, her brother cherishes "good memories" of Trump, indicating a continued personal rapport.

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my brother cherishes 'good memories' of Trump.