Korea Joongang Daily
Korea JoongAng Daily

Lee calls achieving self-reliant defense 'most basic of basics' amid new U.S. defense strategy

President Lee Jae Myung said Saturday achieving a self-reliant national defense is the "most basic of basics" amid a new U.S. defense strategy that calls for South Korea's primary role in its defense.

2026-01-25

Pentagon officially announces Colby's trip to Korea, Japan following NDS release

The Pentagon officially announced Saturday that Under Secretary of War for Policy Elbridge Colby will embark on a trip to South Korea and Japan this weekend in an effort to advance U.S. President Donald Trump's agenda for "peace through strength."

2026-01-25

Defense Ministry to reinstate North Korea Policy Division

The Ministry of National Defense will reinstate its North Korea Policy Division, which was dissolved under the former Yoon Suk Yeol administration, nearly one year after its removal.

2025-12-21

U.S. Senate passes defense bill to maintain USFK troop levels at 28,500 minimum

The U.S. Senate has passed an annual defense policy bill that includes a measure to restrict the government from unilaterally reducing the current troop level of the 28,500-strong U.S. Forces Korea (USFK).

2025-12-18

U.S. House passes defense bill to maintain USFK numbers above 28,500 troops

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the final version of next year’s National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which will maintain the size of U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) above the current minimum of 28,500 troops.

2025-12-11

Defense Ministry to form special unit to investigate Yoon Suk Yeol's martial law declaration

With the special counsel investigation into former President Yoon Suk Yeol's martial law declaration set to conclude on Dec. 14, the Ministry of National Defense announced Monday that it will launch its own investigation.

2025-12-09

Defense Ministry approves early sponsorship for DX Korea 2026 organizers

The Ministry of National Defense has granted early sponsorship approval to DX Korea 2026, an exhibition focused on advanced defense and military technologies, allowing organizers to begin preparations sooner for the event's September 2026 opening.

2025-11-26

Defense chief inspects security safety command center ahead of APEC summit

Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back on Friday inspected the country's safety and protection readiness for participants in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit set for next week, officials said.

2025-10-24

Soldiers to be awarded for defending 'constitutional values' during martial law bid

The Defense Ministry said on Tuesday that it has decided to award 11 soldiers for their efforts to guard democracy and "constitutional values" during former President Yoon Suk Yeol's botched attempt to declare martial law.

2025-09-23

Pentagon's defense strategy draft prioritizes U.S. homeland protection over China threat: Report

A draft of a new U.S. defense document prioritizes protecting the United States' homeland and Western Hemisphere, a report said Friday, a move away from its yearslong focus on deterring the "pacing threat" from an increasingly assertive China.

2025-09-06