Seo Wook: "Joint Exercises Can Be Discussed with North Korea"

[Joint coverage by the Ministry of National Defense and Asia Economy military correspondent Yang Nak-gyu]Minister of National Defense Seo Wook stated that the implementation of the March South Korea-U.S. joint military exercises could be discussed with North Korea. This is interpreted as an extension of the similar remarks made by President Moon Jae-in during his New Year's press conference on the 18th, but criticism may arise questioning whether joint exercises are a matter for consultation with North Korea rather than between South Korea and the U.S.

At a New Year's press briefing with reporters accredited to the Ministry of National Defense on the 27th, Minister Seo said, "If the Inter-Korean Military Joint Committee can proceed, I think we can discuss (the joint exercises with North Korea)." He responded this way when asked whether North Korea's positive response to the Inter-Korean Military Joint Committee would affect the joint exercises. Minister Seo added, "If the Inter-Korean Military Joint Committee is formed, various discussions including joint exercises can be held within it," and "Matters related to drills or military buildup can be discussed under the principle of reciprocity."

Regarding the president's earlier press conference remark that "we can consult with North Korea," Minister Seo elaborated, "I perceive it as a general statement suggesting discussion through dialogue, and we also hold the position that if tension is eased and trust is built between the two Koreas, any issue can be discussed through the Inter-Korean Military Joint Committee or related military talks and general-level meetings."

The joint exercises are currently scheduled for March, but their implementation is uncertain due to external factors such as the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Minister Seo said that they are coordinating the schedule with the U.S. and explained, "The U.S. side has been vaccinated, but we have not, so we will comply with quarantine rules while conducting the joint exercises." Regarding the transfer of wartime operational control, he stated, "I will achieve significant progress toward the transfer of wartime operational control during my tenure."

However, he acknowledged that there is a difference of opinion between South Korea and the U.S. regarding the "condition assessment" in the transfer process. Minister Seo explained, "We think it can be done as soon as possible, but the U.S. side has a slight difference in opinion, suggesting it should be done once conditions are met." The implementation of joint exercises serves as a fundamental background for discussions on wartime operational control transfer, including the evaluation of our military's operational capabilities.

Regarding vaccination for soldiers, Minister Seo said, "We need to review whether the military or the public should be vaccinated first," and added, "Medical personnel will likely be the highest priority during military vaccinations."