Korea Joongang Daily
Korea JoongAng Daily

Defense chief urges reform of military intelligence commands following martial law

Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back on Wednesday called for a powerful reform of defense intelligence and investigative arms amid efforts to rebuild the military in the aftermath of the botched martial law bid in late 2024.

2026-01-21

Military looks into new allegations of intelligence unit's role in drone incursion

The defense ministry is looking into fresh allegations that the Defense Intelligence Command (DIC) supported a graduate student who claimed to have flown a drone into North Korea, a government source said Monday.

2026-01-20

Philippines taps Korean weapons to bolster deterrence as South China Sea clashes surge

From vessel collisions to water cannon attacks, tensions have escalated in the disputed South China Sea. Manila has stepped up its defense in response.

2026-01-15

U.S. Marines conduct drills across Korea to hone warfighting skills

A U.S. Marine battalion based in Okinawa as part of a temporary deployment program has conducted training across Korea aimed at honing its warfighting skills, the U.S. Marines said.

2026-01-13

Korea completes flight tests for homegrown KF-21 fighter jet

Korea has successfully completed all planned flight tests for the KF-21 fighter jet under development, with the country's first homegrown aircraft expected to sharply boost the military's air defense capabilities when deployed.

2026-01-13

'Completely untrue': South's defense minister denies North's accusation of drone incursions

South Korea's defense minister on Saturday rejected North Korea's claim that Seoul had again sent drones into the North's airspace, calling the allegation “completely untrue” and suggesting a joint investigation to verify the facts.

2026-01-10

Defense ministry to dismantle counterintelligence command involved in martial law bid

The Ministry of National Defense will disband the Defense Counterintelligence Command embroiled in former President Yoon Suk Yeol's 2024 botched martial law bid, officials said Thursday, in what marks the command's dissolution after 49 years.

2026-01-08

Trump proposes massive increase in 2027 defense spending to $1.5T, citing 'dangerous times'

U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday proposed setting U.S. military spending at $1.5 trillion in 2027, citing “troubled and dangerous times.”

2026-01-08

Undisbursed defense budget for 2025 to be executed this week: Ministry

The Ministry of Economy and Finance said Tuesday that portions of last year's defense budget that were not disbursed by the end of 2025 will be executed as swiftly as possible.

2026-01-06

Taiwan vows to defend sovereignty after China's military drills

Taiwan President Lai Ching-te said on Thursday the island is determined to defend its sovereignty and boost its defense in the face of China's increasing expansion, after Beijing fired rockets toward the island as part of military drills.

2026-01-02