Seoul: Acting President Choi Sang-mok announced that the combined springtime military drill between South Korea and the United States will proceed next month as planned, emphasizing that national security remains the country's top priority.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Choi stated, "Our military will carry out the annual South Korea-U.S. Freedom Shield exercise as scheduled in March, based on the firm alliance and combined defense posture between our two nations," during a Cabinet meeting. His announcement follows speculation about potential changes to key joint exercises, including the Freedom Shield drill, which typically occurs in late February or early March, and the Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise in August.
Concerns regarding the drills were heightened by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who criticized joint exercises as "expensive" war games. During Trump's first term, major allied drills were suspended or scaled down by Seoul and Washington to support diplomatic efforts with North Korea. However, under President Joe Biden's administration, the allies reinforced joint exercises, coordinating with Japan to enhance deterrence against North Korea.
Choi stressed, "National security is an absolute priority that must never be compromised, serving as the last line of defense ensuring the nation's survival and economic growth."