South Korea confirmed it will maintain its joint drills policy with the United States, despite stalled diplomatic engagement with North Korea. National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac said Seoul will not use military exercises as a negotiation tool. He repeated that the joint drills policy remains essential to national defense.
Wi noted that the government continues to explore options to restart dialogue. However, he stated that adjusting joint exercises is not under consideration. He acknowledged that progress with Pyongyang remains slow but said Seoul still aims to ease tensions on the peninsula.
President Lee Jae-myung previously suggested that large-scale drills may be reduced if long-term stability improves. Still, he stressed that current security conditions do not allow such changes. He also called the issue the most sensitive topic in inter-Korean relations.
North Korea has condemned the exercises and labeled them “war rehearsals.” Seoul and Washington argue the operations strengthen readiness and deter threats. As a result, the joint drills policy continues to shape South Korea’s military planning.
South Korea recently proposed military talks to prevent border clashes and improve communication. Pyongyang has not responded. Analysts say the silence reflects political strain and rising mistrust.
Wi also commented on the recent U.S. national security document, which did not reference North Korea. He argued the omission does not mean the U.S. lost interest. Instead, he said the change reflects shifting U.S. priorities. He added that North Korea may appear in future policy documents.
Experts believe maintaining the joint drills policy signals a calibrated strategy. They say Seoul wants to keep pressure while leaving the door open for dialogue. However, they warn that engagement will remain difficult without signals from Pyongyang.
For now, Seoul plans to continue communication efforts while sustaining defense coordination with Washington. Wi said the government remains ready for talks if North Korea changes its stance.
