Seoul: South Korea and the United States have yet to conclude consultations over details about a hike in Seoul's defense spending, Defense Vice Minister Lee Doo-hee said during a parliamentary session. This statement comes in response to a media report suggesting that South Korea agreed to increase its defense spending to 3.5 percent of its gross domestic product (GDP) in discussions with the United States.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Vice Minister Lee indicated that while the government plans to gradually raise defense spending, setting a specific target remains challenging at this stage. He emphasized that since the consultations have not been finalized, it would be inappropriate to comment specifically on them. The goal of increasing the defense budget is to strengthen the country's defense capabilities.
South Korea is facing mounting pressure from the United States to boost its defense spending to 5 percent of GDP. This pressure reflects Washington's desire for Seoul to assume a greater role in ensuring security on the Korean Peninsula. As of 2025, South Korea's defense spending accounted for 2.32 percent of GDP. The defense ministry is seeking an 8.2 percent increase in the defense budget for the following year, amounting to 66.3 trillion won (US$47.6 billion).
President Lee Jae Myung, during his visit to Washington last month, pledged to increase defense spending. This move aims to enable South Korea to play a more "leading" role in enhancing the country's security posture.