Seoul: The defense chiefs of South Korea and the United States are scheduled to conduct their annual security discussions in Seoul early next month, focusing on alliance issues, including policy coordination on North Korea and their combined defense posture, as announced by South Korea’s defense ministry on Monday.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back and U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth will participate in the 57th Security Consultative Meeting (SCM) in Seoul on November 4. This event will mark their first in-person talks. The ministry has highlighted several key topics for discussion, such as policy coordination on North Korea, combined defense posture, extended deterrence, and naval maintenance, repair, and overhaul.
The ministry stated that both parties intend to address overall pending issues to advance the alliance in a future-oriented and mutually beneficial direction, adapting to the changing security environment and emerging threats. The U.S. Department of War, in a sep
arate release, confirmed that Hegseth will co-chair the upcoming SCM and praised Seoul’s commitment to increasing defense spending and taking on more responsibility for the alliance’s deterrence and defense.
Korea is set to be the final stop in Hegseth’s Asia tour, which includes visits to Hawaii, Japan, Malaysia, and Vietnam. The Pentagon has indicated that this trip aims to strengthen defense relations and reaffirm America’s dedication to “peace through strength and a balance of power in the region.” Key themes of the Asia tour include America’s emphasis on the Indo-Pacific as a priority theater, the importance of allies enhancing their defense spending and contributions, and the Department’s commitment to closely collaborating with those who do.
This year’s SCM takes place as the South Korea-U.S. alliance faces challenges from a shifting security landscape, with speculations about potential adjustments in the role and scope of U.S. Forces Korea amid China’s growing assertiveness. Additionally, South Kore
a has expressed its intent to regain wartime operational command from Washington during President Lee Jae Myung’s five-year term.
The meeting on the Korean Peninsula also coincides with North Korea’s continued military alignment with Russia and advancements in its nuclear and missile capabilities, including the recent unveiling of the Hwasong-20 intercontinental ballistic missile during a significant military parade.