S. Korea rules out scaling back joint drills with US to spur inter-Korean ties

South Korea will not reduce joint military drills with the United States as a means of encouraging talks with the North, National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac said Sunday, despite the government’s efforts to restart dialogue and advance a wider coexistence agenda. Wi’s comments came during a press briefing at the presidential office, which reviewed the Lee Jae Myung administration’s first six months and outlined its diplomatic record and approach to Pyongyang. His remarks drew added attention amid a growing public debate over whether adjusting the drills could help bring North Korea back to the table. “We have achieved much in the external diplomatic environment, but not as much in inter-Korean relations,” Wi said, describing the administration’s renewed efforts to reestablish communication with Pyongyang. “There are many options we can consider for restarting inter-Korean dialogue, but joint exercises with the United States are not among the cards we are directly weighing." Wi emphasized that South Korea intends to act as a “pacemaker” in diplomatic efforts, keeping cWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times