High-Level Korea-U.S. Defense Talks Set for Sept. 23-24... First Since Lee Administration Inauguration

Discussion on Readiness Against North Korea and Transition of Wartime Operational Control
Prospects for Talks on "Modernizing the Korea-U.S. Alliance"

The Ministry of National Defense announced on September 17 that the defense ministries of South Korea and the United States will hold the 27th Korea-U.S. Integrated Defense Dialogue (KIDD) in Seoul from September 23 to 24.

This will be the first meeting since the inauguration of the Lee Jaemyung administration, and it comes approximately four months after the 26th meeting in May. On the South Korean side, Yoon Bonghee, acting Director-General for Defense Policy, will serve as the chief delegate, while John No, Deputy Assistant Secretary for East Asia, will represent the United States. Key officials from both countries' defense and diplomatic sectors will also attend.

The agenda is expected to include discussions on the joint defense posture between the two countries, regional security cooperation, the transition of wartime operational control, maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) of the defense sector, and cooperation in the defense industry. In particular, with the launch of the second Donald Trump administration, the United States has been urging South Korea to modernize the Korea-U.S. alliance, making it likely that related topics will be discussed at this meeting. Notable issues include strengthening the strategic flexibility of U.S. Forces Korea and increasing defense spending.

The Ministry of National Defense stated, "This meeting will address a wide range of alliance issues to ensure that the Korea-U.S. alliance can evolve into a future-oriented comprehensive strategic alliance."