Seoul: South Korea is not considering adjusting its joint military drills with the United States as part of efforts to resume stalled talks with North Korea, National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac said on Sunday. Wi made the remarks when asked whether Seoul might review the regular exercises with Washington to help revive inter-Korean dialogue, as Pyongyang has dismissed Seoul's overtures since President Lee Jae Myung's first six months in office.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Wi stated that while there are many possible options for resuming dialogue, the Korea-U.S. joint exercises are not being directly considered as a leverage card. He emphasized the need to explore various strategies without compromising on the security dynamics that these drills represent. Wi acknowledged that progress in inter-Korean relations has been limited, pledging continued efforts to ease tensions on the Korean Peninsula and resume dialogue with Pyongyang.

Last month, President Lee highlighted that although a stable peace regime in which large-scale exercises are unnecessary would be desirable in the long term, decisions on drills must depend on evolving security circumstances. He noted that it is premature to draw conclusions on the matter, calling it "the most sensitive" issue for North Korea. Pyongyang has long denounced the Seoul-Washington exercises as "war rehearsals," while the allies maintain that they are defensive in nature.

President Lee has reiterated his call for dialogue following Seoul's proposal for military talks to clarify the Military Demarcation Line to prevent unintended clashes near the border. However, Pyongyang has yet to respond to this proposal, leaving the situation at an impasse.