September 8, 2026: South Korea is placing greater emphasis on strengthening its own military capabilities amid the growing nuclear threat from North Korea and recent shifts in US policy. The ruling Democratic Party has said Seoul can no longer afford to rely entirely on Washington for its national security.
Speaking in the South Korean parliament on Monday, September 7, ruling party leader Kim Min-seok said the United States was no longer behaving like a “kind elder brother” toward South Korea. Instead, Washington is increasingly pursuing tougher negotiations while prioritizing its own national interests.
Kim stressed that South Korea must begin strengthening its independent defense capabilities to safeguard the country’s sovereignty and the security of its people.
Seoul’s concerns have been heightened by several recent decisions by US President Donald Trump. Trump is reportedly planning to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un soon. At the same time, he has ordered a reduction in joint military exercises with South Korea, citing the high cost of such drills.
Trump has argued that the exercises require substantial financial resources and unnecessarily provoke North Korea.
South Korea is also concerned that Washington could reach an agreement with Pyongyang that would stop the production of new nuclear weapons without requiring North Korea to completely dismantle its existing nuclear arsenal.
Against this backdrop, the ruling party is calling for stronger independent defense capabilities to ensure that South Korea’s security is not compromised even if Washington and Pyongyang unexpectedly reach a deal.
At the same time, the Democratic Party has urged the government to avoid unnecessary confrontation with North Korea and continue seeking diplomatic and peaceful solutions to tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
Source: Anadolu Agency