|
Quotes of the Day:
"Never let the future disturb you. You will meet it, if you have to, with the same weapons of reasons which today arm you against the present."
– Marcus Aurelius
"Once every village had an idiot. It took the internet to bring them all together."
– P.W. Singer, Emerson T. Brooking
LIkewar: The Weaponization of Social Media
"The wise are instructed by reason, average minds by experience, the stupid by necessity and the brute by instinct."
– Marcus Tullius Cicero
1. Eighth Army commander eyes generative AI to inform how he leads
2. Homeland pivot isn't affecting troops in South Korea, so far: commander
3. Xi–Kim Meeting Signals Shift in China’s Role in the Asian Trio
4. N. Korea's Kim, Trump could meet on occasion of APEC summit in S. Korea: unification minister
5. Is Jong-un North Korea’s most successful Kim?
6. ‘South Korea can’t afford to lose China’: Seoul urged to stay ‘pragmatic’ amid US pressure
7. South Korea says it flagged concerns over Hyundai’s US investment plan
8. USFK says U.S. gov't shutdown does not affect pay, status of S. Korean workers
9. S. Korea to revive foundation supporting suspended inter-Korean factory complex
10. N. Korea erects 10 km-long anti-tank barriers along inter-Korean border: lawmaker
11. Unification minister reaffirms initiative to end hostility, pursue dialogue with N. Korea
12. Unification ministry disbands North Korean human rights office in overhaul
13. Dozens of flights forced to abort landings due to North Korean GPS jamming
14. US, ROK forces did not carry out delayed drills last month as planned: JCS chief
15. N. Korea possibly received Russian aid for Hwasong-20 ICBM: JCS chairman
16. Palantir CEO Sees Korea as Crucial Market for AI and Hardware Fusion
17. China Sanctions Hanwha Ocean Subsidiaries in U.S. Trade Retaliation
18. Trump's 'Peace Through Strength' Strategy: Beyond the Middle East?
1. Eighth Army commander eyes generative AI to inform how he leads
Important insights.
But one simple thing I would do for combined operations is to create a program where I can write my email in English and it will be translated to my Korean counterpart in Korean and then they can write back in Korean and I will receive the message in English (and this must be available on all systems, classified/collateral). And of course the same should be true of Word documents and Powerpoint presentations. We are still manually translating between languages and this is a huge time consumer.
As an aside, last year I co-authored a couple of articles with a friend from north Korea. He does not speak English and I do not speak enough Korean. But we emailed our drafts back and forth after translating them through Chat GPT. The translations were probably about 95% accurate and they just required some tweaking in each language. We did not use a human translator at all for our collaboration.
The Real Reason North Korea Is Threatening War
https://nationalinterest.org/blog/korea-watch/real-reason-north-korea-threatening-war-209331
Kim Jong-un’s Fears Could Be Exploited
https://nationalinterest.org/blog/korea-watch/kim-jong-uns-fears-could-be-exploited-211224
Korean should be a priority testing ground for this capability but it is needed for all languages that are used by our combined partners and allies.
Eighth Army commander eyes generative AI to inform how he leads
Maj. Gen. Taylor briefed a small group of reporters about his team’s near-term priorities at AUSA on Monday.
https://defensescoop.com/2025/10/13/eighth-army-commander-eyes-generative-ai-to-inform-how-he-leads/?utm
By
Brandi Vincent
October 13, 2025
Listen to this article
4:07
Learn more.
flip.it · Brandi Vincent · October 13, 2025
U.S. Army forces in South Korea are increasingly integrating artificial intelligence across their low- and high-stakes operations, according to Maj. Gen. William “Hank” Taylor.
And as the new acting commander of Eighth Army, Taylor is personally leaning on existing and emerging AI capabilities to help influence and shape how he operates as a leader.
“I’ve become — Chat and I are really close lately,” Taylor told DefenseScoop on Monday, using the trendy terminology to prompt generative AI chatbots (“Hey, Chat”) that’s taken off in popular culture recently.
During a roundtable at the annual AUSA conference, Taylor briefed a small group of reporters about his team’s near-term priorities and how technology is improving their decision-making processes and readiness pursuits.
“As we talk about protection, drone use, counter-drones and counter-UAS, medical modernization, aviation modernization, we have something going on in almost every domain of modernization in Korea, right? AI is one thing that, as a commander, it’s been very, very interesting for me. Obviously, I’ve been in the Army for a long time, right? And so I was in the Army before computers,” Taylor said.
On AI applications that make specific sense for South Korea, which is very close geographically to China, he said the field army he commands is “regularly using” AI for predictive analysis to look at sustainment. He’s also keen to see use cases expand for intelligence purposes.
“Just being able to write our weekly reports and things, in the intelligence world, to actually then help us predict things — I think that is the biggest thing that really I’m excited about — it’s that modernization piece,” Taylor told DefenseScoop.
Generative AI marks one of the most buzzy, cutting-edge branches of the technology in the current era.
Broadly, generative AI involves disruptive but still-maturing models that can process huge volumes of data and perform increasingly “intelligent” tasks — like recognizing speech or producing human-like media and code based on people-generated prompts. These capabilities are pushing the boundaries of what existing AI and machine learning can achieve.
A significant number of Americans reportedly use genAI chatbots every day to inform or enhance a wide range of personal and professional tasks. While each of the U.S. military services’ rules for the technology vary, they broadly emphasize data security, output verification, and the use of approved, government-developed tools over public-facing models.
Taylor noted he’s keen to use the technology to inform his leadership approaches.
“One of the things that recently I’ve been personally working on with my soldiers is decision-making — individual decision-making. And how [we make decisions] in our own individual life, when we make decisions, it’s important. So, that’s something I’ve been asking and trying to build models to help all of us,” Taylor noted. “Especially, [on] how do I make decisions, personal decisions, right — that affect not only me, but my organization and overall readiness?”
He’s leading the Eighth Army in Korea at a time of growing regional complexities involving North Korea, China, and Russia. When asked about the contemporary threats that “keep him up at night,” Taylor told reporters that he is focused on ensuring his team is ready — regardless of the danger that surfaces.
“It always comes back to, do I have the capabilities? Do I have the training? Do I have the wherewithal to understand this? And my answer is, ‘Yes, we do,’ right? I understand what our threats are, what they are, and how to train. And so when I think about your specific question, what I know is, in my organization, in the Army, I am ready for those threats. I am ready. I’m prepared. I have the right equipment, I have the right training, I have the right awareness of threats throughout the Indo-Pacific region,” Taylor said.
Written by Brandi Vincent
Brandi Vincent is DefenseScoop’s Pentagon correspondent. She reports on disruptive technologies and associated policies impacting Defense Department and military personnel. Prior to joining SNG, she produced a documentary and worked as a journalist at Nextgov, Snapchat and NBC Network. Brandi grew up in Louisiana and received a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Maryland. She was named Best New Journalist at the 2024 Defence Media Awards.
flip.it · Brandi Vincent · October 13, 2025
2. Homeland pivot isn't affecting troops in South Korea, so far: commander
I think we are a little confused. I think the Homeland pivot refers to the forthcoming NDS/NWS that will prioritize homeland defense. The commander is obviously responding to a question about the government shutdown.
Homeland pivot isn't affecting troops in South Korea, so far: commander
Soldiers are “being fed,” “still training” amid government shutdown, 8th Army commander says.
https://www.defenseone.com/threats/2025/10/pivot-homeland-so-far-not-affecting-troops-south-korea-commander-says/408777/?oref=d1-featured-river-top&utm
By Meghann Myers
Staff Reporter
- October 13, 2025 02:29 PM ET
The Pentagon’s latest strategic documents knock the Indo-Pacific off its perch as the Defense Department’s priority theater, but that guidance has so far not reduced funding or training opportunities for soldiers stationed in South Korea, the head of 8th Army told reporters Monday at the AUSA annual meeting in Washington, D.C.
And the command is keeping soldiers fed and trained during the government shutdown, which was set to cut off troops’ pay on Wednesday. President Donald Trump on Saturday said he had directed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to use “all available funds” to send Oct. 15 paychecks to service members.
“They’re being fed this morning. They’re still training,” Lt. Gen. Hank Taylor said of troops under his command, but noted his civilian workforce has been furloughed.
In the longer term, it remains to be seen how the National Defense Strategy’s shift to the Western Hemisphere will impact funding in the Indo-Pacific. While China is now the Pentagon’s second priority, U.S. troops on the Korean peninsula are more specialized to training with Republic of Korea forces to deter North Korea.
The Trump administration had considered shifting 4,500 troops from the peninsula to Guam, the Wall Street Journal reported in May.
Related articles
‘The homeland is in the Pacific’
China, China, Chi—wait, what? Air Force mulls next steps amid homeland focus
But for now, Taylor said, he’s not feeling any marked changes in resources or prioritization.
“I have everything I need, when I think about live-fire training, live-flight training, maneuver training, driving our vehicles, instructors, all those things,” he said. “Nothing that I've had to change any of my readiness here.”
And while the Pentagon is pushing Asian allies to spend more on their own defense, that hasn’t been coupled with any American withdrawal from the region.
“We are ready. We are modernizing, right? We have capabilities forward in the Indo-Pacific region,” Taylor said.
Help us report on the future of national security. Contact Meghann Myers: mmyers@defenseone.com, meghannmyers.55 on Signal.
3. Xi–Kim Meeting Signals Shift in China’s Role in the Asian Trio
Excerpts:
China’s stance on North Korea’s nuclear program illustrates the need for a careful balance between principle and pragmatism. Wang reiterated that China does not recognize the DPRK as a nuclear-armed state, asserting that the Korean Peninsula “cannot be nuclearized, whether the nuclear weapons are self-made or imported.” Yet Beijing also acknowledges that short-term denuclearization is unlikely. This dual approach reflects China’s strategy: maintaining North Korea as a valuable ally and buffer against U.S. military influence in South Korea, while preserving relatively stable relations with the U.S. and respecting the UN-led global framework. The public nature of Xi’s meeting with Kim signaled China’s willingness to strengthen this alliance openly and formalize it diplomatically.
By meeting Kim openly, Beijing has departed from its previous role as a discreet mediator between UN nuclear policy and its interest in keeping Pyongyang strong. Xi’s formal engagement with Kim challenges the US-led regional order, prompting Washington to bolster its influence in South Korea. With 28,500 U.S. troops stationed there, the Pentagon emphasizes “strategic flexibility” while encouraging Seoul to take on a larger share of defense responsibilities, expanding the South Korean military’s role on the peninsula.
As North Korea continues to enhance its nuclear capabilities with the support of consolidated allies, upholding international agreements is critical to preventing a Cold War–style arms race. Given the increasing risk of mutually assured destruction, Western countries must maintain strategic balance, avoid confrontation, and closely monitor developments in Asia. The China–North Korea alliance illustrates that economic ties, military developments, and diplomatic positioning are now deeply intertwined, raising the stakes for the U.S. and the international community at large.
Xi–Kim Meeting Signals Shift in China’s Role in the Asian Trio — Carolina Political Review
Charlene Wang October 12, 2025
https://www.carolinapoliticalreview.org/editorial-content/2025/10/12/xikim-meeting-signals-shift-in-chinas-role-in-the-asian-trio?utm
carolinapoliticalreview.org
Chinese President Xi Jinping and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un pledged mutual support and enhanced cooperation during talks in Beijing following a World War II commemoration on September 4. Xi highlighted the “traditional friendship” between China and North Korea, while Kim praised the “friendly feelings” underpinning bilateral exchanges. The meeting was Kim’s first visit to China in six years, signaling a renewal of ties between the two countries and China’s reassertion of North Korea as a vital partner. With Pyong’s foreign policy heavily focused on Russia for the past three years, this has been an act for Pyong to regain Beijing’s support and consolidate strategic alignments. prompting the formation of a solid trio bloc between China, North Korea, and Russia.
The two countries’ economic allyship goes back several decades, and recent trends indicate their continued rapid growth. Between July 2024 and July 2025, Chinese exports to North Korea increased by 38.7%, going from $123 million to $170 million, while their imports saw a nearly 60% increase, from $21.8 million to $34.8 million. Such a quantity of trade illustrates China’s intention to have a powerful hold on North Korea’s economy, highlighting the strategic importance of Pyongyang to Beijing.
The deepening ties between the two countries have prompted the United States to issue sanctions on North Korea in critical areas such as food, energy, and finance. As China now accounts for 98% of North Korea’s official foreign trade, the underlying conditionality emerges where economic engagement becomes a lever for political outcomes. For the international community, this can showcase China’s current approach to North Korea’s nuclear disarmament. Improved economic conditions enhance domestic stability, reducing the need to maintain nuclear weapons. With a stronger economy, the country can bolster its national security through conventional military means, using resources generated internally rather than relying on nuclear deterrence.
The implications of this meeting extend well beyond economics. In September 2025, the U.S. Department of State sanctioned six North Korean targets to prevent the transfer of military materials, demonstrating Washington’s firm stance against Pyongyang’s military expansion. These actions reflect U.S. strategic interests in countering the growing influence of the China–Russia–North Korea alliance amid ongoing nuclear uncertainties.
On the other hand, the dynamics between China, North Korea, and Russia are subtle but evolving. Russia, North Korea’s longstanding ally, has provided the nation with financial support, diplomatic backing, and defense cooperation. The 2024 Treaty of Comprehensive Partnership was a cornerstone underscoring the high level of economic and military support between the nations, which promised assistance to ‘‘eliminate the emerging threat’’ in core areas from food and energy security to nuclear resources and artificial intelligence. Against this backdrop, Xi’s meeting with Kim represents a significant shift in the regional balance of power. China appears to be moving away from collaboration with the U.S. on Korean Peninsula stability, instead leveraging North Korea as a strategic buffer to counterbalance its deepening ties with Russia and promote a multipolar world resisting U.S. hegemony. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized opposition to “all forms of hegemonism,” while North Korea’s Choe Son-hui expressed a willingness to “jointly resist unilateralism and power politics and promote a fairer and more just world order.”
China’s stance on North Korea’s nuclear program illustrates the need for a careful balance between principle and pragmatism. Wang reiterated that China does not recognize the DPRK as a nuclear-armed state, asserting that the Korean Peninsula “cannot be nuclearized, whether the nuclear weapons are self-made or imported.” Yet Beijing also acknowledges that short-term denuclearization is unlikely. This dual approach reflects China’s strategy: maintaining North Korea as a valuable ally and buffer against U.S. military influence in South Korea, while preserving relatively stable relations with the U.S. and respecting the UN-led global framework. The public nature of Xi’s meeting with Kim signaled China’s willingness to strengthen this alliance openly and formalize it diplomatically.
By meeting Kim openly, Beijing has departed from its previous role as a discreet mediator between UN nuclear policy and its interest in keeping Pyongyang strong. Xi’s formal engagement with Kim challenges the US-led regional order, prompting Washington to bolster its influence in South Korea. With 28,500 U.S. troops stationed there, the Pentagon emphasizes “strategic flexibility” while encouraging Seoul to take on a larger share of defense responsibilities, expanding the South Korean military’s role on the peninsula.
As North Korea continues to enhance its nuclear capabilities with the support of consolidated allies, upholding international agreements is critical to preventing a Cold War–style arms race. Given the increasing risk of mutually assured destruction, Western countries must maintain strategic balance, avoid confrontation, and closely monitor developments in Asia. The China–North Korea alliance illustrates that economic ties, military developments, and diplomatic positioning are now deeply intertwined, raising the stakes for the U.S. and the international community at large.
carolinapoliticalreview.org
4. N. Korea's Kim, Trump could meet on occasion of APEC summit in S. Korea: unification minister
Wishful thinking? What would entice Kim to meet?
N. Korea's Kim, Trump could meet on occasion of APEC summit in S. Korea: unification minister | Yonhap News Agency
en.yna.co.kr · Park Boram · October 14, 2025
SEOUL, Oct. 14 (Yonhap) -- North Korean leader Kim Jong-un could meet with U.S. President Donald Trump on the occasion of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders' summit later this month, possibility at the border village of Panmunjom, the unification minister suggested Tuesday.
Minister Chung Dong-young raised the possibility during a parliamentary audit session in response to a question by Rep. Yoon Hu-duk of the ruling Democratic Party.
"Based on the analysis of open information and data, both the U.S. and North Korean leaders appear ready (for talks)," he said, adding that Kim's remarks about having "good memories" of Trump indicate he is conditionally willing to meet him.
Kim made the remarks at a key parliamentary meeting last month, noting that North Korea is open to talks with the U.S. if its demand for the North's denuclearization is dropped.
Trump is expected to visit South Korea in late October to attend APEC events in the southeastern South Korean city of Gyeongju.
"Now, the key lies in the determination of President Trump," the minister said, citing the inter-Korean truce village of Panmunjom, located on the border between the two Koreas, as the most likely venue for the meeting.
Unification Minister Chung Dong-young speaks during a parliamentary audit session on Oct. 14, 2025. (Yonhap)
pbr@yna.co.kr
(END)
en.yna.co.kr · Park Boram · October 14, 2025
5. Is Jong-un North Korea’s most successful Kim?
Arguably, yes. But what is success for a north Korean leader? The welfare of the Korean people in the north does not factor into any success criteria.
Excerpts:
Nationally, he has ruthlessly crushed dissent and put forward a potential successor. Globally, he has proved a savvy player and risk manager, sitting down with the U.S. and earning new support from Russia and China.
“I would say KJU is the most successful [‘supreme leader’] when it comes to enhancing his impoverished nation’s international status,” said Lee Sung-yoon, author of a biography of Mr. Kim’s sibling Kim Yo-jong called “The Sister.” “He has elevated his nation’s international status from an endlessly mockable pariah state to a de facto member of the “International Tyrannical Triumvirate.”
This referenced Mr. Kim’s prestige positioning alongside Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin during Beijing’s World War II 80th anniversary victory celebration last month.
...
“Kim has used very great skill and secured all [diplomatic] connections,” said Andrei Lankov, a North Korea expert at Seoul’s Kookmin University. Still, he warned that the ties with Moscow and Beijing are tenuous.
“Russia looks fine on paper, but in case of war, will it rush to save North Korea?” he asked. “Significant Chinese economic assistance is unlikely. It will be a money-losing enterprise.”
Unlike his predecessors, Mr. Kim’s administration has not killed a single South Korean. The last deadly clashes, a warship sinking and an island shelling, took place in 2010 under his ailing father.
...
Some experts believe they were the son’s initiatives. Since he assumed power, Kim Jong-un has seen no reason to repeat them.
“He sees no need to risk military provocations,” said Lee Hyun-seung, a North Korean defector and program strategist at the Global Peace Foundation. “Key reasons include no tangible gains — provocations yield little, as South Korea’s alliance with the U.S. ensures overwhelming retaliation — and Kim wishes to avoid regressing to the ‘Rocket Man’ era with Trump, prioritizing the diplomatic progress made through summits.”
Unlike his father and grandfather, Kim Jong-un has placed his child in the public gaze, and experts are unsure what to make of it. Peter Ward, a North Korean researcher at Seoul’s Sejong Institute, lists the theories behind teenager Kim Ju-ae’s public appearances.
“She is the successor, and he wants to get her out there — he was rushed as a successor and wants her to have a long runway — or he is not in good health, and so is worried about having someone in place when he snuffs it,” he said.
Is Jong-un North Korea’s most successful Kim?
He has pulled off feats his father and grandfather never managed, while successfully hedging risk
washingtontimes.com · Andrew Salmon
By - The Washington Times - Thursday, October 9, 2025
A version of this story appeared in the daily Threat Status newsletter from The Washington Times. Click here to receive Threat Status delivered directly to your inbox each weekday.
SEOUL, South Korea — It’s good to be Kim, and as dictators go, Kim Jong-un is arguably sitting prettier today than either his father Kim Jong-il or grandfather Kim Il-sung ever did.
On Friday, Mr. Kim will oversee celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Korean Workers’ Party. VIP guests are expected from China, Laos, Russia, Vietnam and elsewhere.
Having succeeded his father after his death in 2011, he is the third Kim to rule North Korea. He is jeered globally for his portliness, his tailoring and the over-the-top adulation he commands among his populace. However, he has been an effective leader.
Nationally, he has ruthlessly crushed dissent and put forward a potential successor. Globally, he has proved a savvy player and risk manager, sitting down with the U.S. and earning new support from Russia and China.
“I would say KJU is the most successful [‘supreme leader’] when it comes to enhancing his impoverished nation’s international status,” said Lee Sung-yoon, author of a biography of Mr. Kim’s sibling Kim Yo-jong called “The Sister.” “He has elevated his nation’s international status from an endlessly mockable pariah state to a de facto member of the “International Tyrannical Triumvirate.”
This referenced Mr. Kim’s prestige positioning alongside Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin during Beijing’s World War II 80th anniversary victory celebration last month.
Established as a communist satellite state of the Soviet Union, North Korea has mutated into a highly nationalist, ultramilitarized, third-generation absolute monarchy and one of America’s most intractable adversaries.
Though stalked by malnutrition and heavily sanctioned by the global community, North Korea has defied all predictions of collapse and become a poster child for dictatorial governance.
Advertisement
For decades, powerful state control mechanisms dug roots deep into the nation’s social and political spheres. There is no known internal opposition. No guerrilla force is massing over the borders.
Tightly insulated against outside influences, its citizens have minimal rights and freedoms. The Economist Intelligence Unit’s Democracy Index 2025 found North Korea to be the third most authoritarian state, behind Myanmar and Afghanistan.
Yet unlike ramshackle Afghanistan and war-ravaged Myanmar, nuclear-armed North Korea is stable — very stable.
The only hairline cracks in the facade are economic.
Because of the 1991 fall of the Soviet Union, the abrupt ending of managed trade and devastating famines, Pyongyang’s state distribution system collapsed. It was replaced by semi-official market capitalism, which has led to widespread corruption that persists today.
Advertisement
There is no doubt who is in charge. Mr. Kim infamously had his own uncle, regime power broker Jang Song-thaek, executed in 2013. Experts are divided over whether that was because of Jang’s personal corruption or his dangerously close ties to China.
A message was sent. Jang was killed with a quadruple-barreled anti-aircraft gun, generating a new idiom: To “quad barrel” a task means to “do it to an extreme.”
Mr. Kim can promise his people something the leaders of Iran, Iraq, Libya and Ukraine — states that halted or failed to complete nuclear arms programs — cannot. His nuclear deterrent virtually guarantees their safety from overseas attack.
He inherited nuclear weapons from his father, Kim Jong-il, who first tested a device in 2006. In 2017, Kim Jong-un oversaw the test firing of an intercontinental ballistic missile with the range to hit the continental United States.
Advertisement
That grabbed U.S. attention. In 2018 and 2019, Mr. Kim met with President Trump, which neither of his predecessors achieved. Mr. Trump failed to reach a deal but said he was impressed by Mr. Kim.
Last year, Mr. Kim signed a defense treaty with Mr. Putin. He deployed a division of elite troops to fight alongside Russian forces against Ukraine, earning his soldiers their first large-scale combat experience since the Korean War.
His grandfather, Kim Il-sung, started the war in 1950. It ended in a stalemate, with North Korea reduced to rubble by U.S. airpower by 1953. Unlike his grandfather’s disastrous adventure, the grandson’s war-making has not ruined his nation. Instead, North Korea has earned its diplomatic, technological and economic support from Russia.
China, competing against the U.S. and benefiting from the North Korean buffer state on its northeastern flank, is also backing Mr. Kim. Beijing has pointedly stopped referring to North Korean denuclearization.
Advertisement
“Kim has used very great skill and secured all [diplomatic] connections,” said Andrei Lankov, a North Korea expert at Seoul’s Kookmin University. Still, he warned that the ties with Moscow and Beijing are tenuous.
“Russia looks fine on paper, but in case of war, will it rush to save North Korea?” he asked. “Significant Chinese economic assistance is unlikely. It will be a money-losing enterprise.”
Unlike his predecessors, Mr. Kim’s administration has not killed a single South Korean. The last deadly clashes, a warship sinking and an island shelling, took place in 2010 under his ailing father.
Some experts believe they were the son’s initiatives. Since he assumed power, Kim Jong-un has seen no reason to repeat them.
“He sees no need to risk military provocations,” said Lee Hyun-seung, a North Korean defector and program strategist at the Global Peace Foundation. “Key reasons include no tangible gains — provocations yield little, as South Korea’s alliance with the U.S. ensures overwhelming retaliation — and Kim wishes to avoid regressing to the ‘Rocket Man’ era with Trump, prioritizing the diplomatic progress made through summits.”
Unlike his father and grandfather, Kim Jong-un has placed his child in the public gaze, and experts are unsure what to make of it. Peter Ward, a North Korean researcher at Seoul’s Sejong Institute, lists the theories behind teenager Kim Ju-ae’s public appearances.
“She is the successor, and he wants to get her out there — he was rushed as a successor and wants her to have a long runway — or he is not in good health, and so is worried about having someone in place when he snuffs it,” he said.
Putting his daughter forward at a young age also may “acclimatize patriarchal North Korea to a female supreme leader,” he said. Still, he warned: “He may be engaging in some kind of false flag deception and will not appoint her.”
Strangely, he has kept the Kim personality cult in check. Unlike his father and grandfather, he has not erected statues of himself in public spaces, nor is his portrait hung on walls nationwide.
That may simply be because of personal choice. He is the only ruling Kim with a Western education, having attended a Swiss boarding school.
“You would expect three portraits everywhere, you would expect ‘Kim Jong-un’ flowers to be developed and planted across the country, but we don’t see it,” Mr. Lankov said. “He is a person with personal ideas who may simply not want it. And he is the boss.”
• Andrew Salmon can be reached at asalmon@washingtontimes.com.
Copyright © 2025 The Washington Times, LLC. Click here for reprint permission.
washingtontimes.com · Andrew Salmon
6. ‘South Korea can’t afford to lose China’: Seoul urged to stay ‘pragmatic’ amid US pressure
Walking the tightrope.
South Korea
This Week in AsiaPolitics
‘South Korea can’t afford to lose China’: Seoul urged to stay ‘pragmatic’ amid US pressure
Leaning too far towards the US under Trump could trap South Korea diplomatically amid global uncertainty, analysts warn
Park Chan-kyong
Published: 9:30am, 10 Oct 2025
South Korea should adhere to pragmatic diplomacy to safeguard its national interests as Washington steps up pressure on Seoul to clarify its role in countering China, analysts have said.
They warned that leaning too far towards the United States under a transactional President Donald Trump could trap South Korea diplomatically and leave it with little room to manoeuvre amid growing global uncertainty.
The warnings came in response to remarks by a senior Pentagon official, who said on Tuesday that many South Korean defence capabilities could contribute to deterring an assertive China.
“Based on the alliance with the US but keeping national interests front and centre, South Korea should chart its path case by case to navigate the increasingly volatile diplomatic seas,” Doo Jin-ho, a defence analyst at the Korea Research Institute for National Strategy (Krins), told This Week in Asia.
“South Korea cannot afford to lose China, its largest trading partner, especially when the US is hitting its traditional allies with harsh tariffs and its commitment to their defence is not as firm as in the past.
South Korea’s Lee says Seoul prepared to shoulder defence costs
Hong Min, a senior researcher at the Korea Institute for National Unification (Kinu), said “pragmatism” and “national interests” had become Seoul’s guiding principles as it sought to withstand Washington’s push to have it explicitly declare its role in containing China.
On top of high tariffs, South Korea is also facing mounting pressure from Washington to shoulder more of the cost of hosting 28,500 American troops on its soil and to sharply increase its defence spending.
“As it faces an increasingly assertive America, South Korea is doing its best to play up to Trump to avoid confrontation with Washington – hoping the storm will eventually pass,” Hong said.
A diplomatic source, speaking on condition of anonymity, said in the early months of former conservative president Yoon Suk-yeol’s administration, Washington asked Seoul what contribution it could make in the event of a crisis over Taiwan.
“This episode indicates that regardless of which party takes power in Washington, South Korea will continue to face the same pressure,” the source said.
Deputy Assistant Secretary of War for East Asia John Noh, the nominee for assistant secretary for Indo-Pacific security affairs, on Tuesday said South Korea and other allies should “dramatically” increase their defence spending and assume greater responsibility for regional security.
“While the ROK should focus primarily on leading the US-ROK alliance’s conventional deterrence against the DPRK, many capabilities could also contribute to a deterrence of China,” Noh said.
ROK stands for the Republic of Korea, or South Korea, while DPRK is the acronym for the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, or North Korea.
Noh made the remarks in written answers to advance questions from the Senate Committee on Armed Services.
“Capabilities, such as long-range fires, integrated air and missile defence, space and electronic warfare capabilities, could provide a meaningful impact to strengthen deterrence in the region against both threats,” he added.
Aircraft from the US, South Korea and Japan fly in formation during a joint air drill over international waters off South Korea’s southern island of Jeju in July. Photo: South Korean Defence Ministry/AFP
His remarks reflected Washington’s efforts to “modernise” the alliance with South Korea amid intensifying great-power rivalry and to ensure that the alliance remained “strategically sustainable”.
China recently installed steel structures in the Provisional Maritime Zone, escalating tensions with South Korea in their overlapping maritime area.
When asked about such Chinese naval activities in the Yellow Sea, Noh said they appeared to be aimed at “intimidating” South Korea.
“If confirmed, I will work with my US government colleagues and ROK counterparts to review these activities and propose appropriate responses,” he said.
Doo of Krins said Noh’s comments underscored what Washington perceived as China’s growing threat to South Korea’s naval interests – an effort to stress the need for Seoul to join US-led containment efforts against Beijing.
“The United States is urging South Korea to clarify the extent of its role in the US-led efforts to deter China in the Indo-Pacific region,” Doo said.
South Korea had relied on trilateral security cooperation with the US and Japan to maintain “strategic ambiguity” and balance its ties with the two superpowers, he said, noting that while Seoul meant for the trilateral framework mainly to deter North Korea, for Washington and Tokyo it served as a platform to counter China.
“Now this diplomatic tactic has apparently run its course,” he said.
Under these circumstances, South Korea needed to manage its relations with China by maintaining economic cooperation, reopening military hotlines and resuming humanitarian projects, Doo noted.
These could include the repatriation of the remains of Chinese soldiers killed during the Korean war – a project suspended under the previous Yoon government.
“We need to maintain stable relations with China in order for it to play constructive roles in securing peace on the Korean peninsula,” Doo said.
Chinese Ambassador to South Korea Xing Haiming covers with a Chinese national flag the caskets containing the remains of Chinese soldiers killed in the Korean war, during a ceremony at Incheon airport in 2022. Photo: EPA-EFE
While the joint military drills involving the US, South Korea and Japan were officially aimed at deterring nuclear-armed North Korea, Hong of Kinu said “their scale and content go well beyond that purpose”.
“Now, the US is urging South Korea to state openly that it will participate in efforts to contain China,” he said.
In a related development, the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in Washington said in a report on Wednesday that South Korea was “reluctant to use its economic and military power to counter China”, while posing a substantial military burden and risk to the US.
“It has a deeply asymmetrical defence relationship with the US, which is responsible for defending it against aggression by North Korea – creating the risk that Washington could become entangled in a war on the peninsula – but it contributes only a limited amount to meeting other US military objectives in the region – despite its considerable economic wealth,” the report said.
“Seoul sees the competition between China and the US as posing a risk to its economic and other interests, but it has nevertheless taken small steps towards a stronger relationship with Washington and also Japan in response to China’s rise.”
Park Chan-kyong
Park Chan-kyong is a journalist covering South Korean affairs for the South China Morning Post. He previously worked at the Agence France-Presse's Seoul bureau for 35 years. He studied political science at Korea University and economics at the Yonsei University Graduate School.
7. South Korea says it flagged concerns over Hyundai’s US investment plan
South Korea says it flagged concerns over Hyundai’s US investment plan
Independent lawmaker Kim Jong-min criticised Hyundai for trying to gain favour with the US, weakening South Korea’s leverage in trade talks
Reuters
Published: 1:02am, 14 Oct 2025Updated: 7:59am, 14 Oct 2025
South Korea’s industry minister said on Monday that the government had expressed concerns over Hyundai announcing multibillion-dollar US investment plans at the same time as Seoul was involved in delicate trade negotiations with Washington.
“We told Hyundai that [its] conduct was deeply regrettable, especially considering that our efforts have been made for the sake of Hyundai and Kia’s industry,” South Korea’s Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan told parliament in response to questions.
“I believe that Hyundai now fully understands the Korean public sentiment,” Kim said. He declined to comment on how Hyundai had responded to his concerns.
Hyundai did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Independent lawmaker Kim Jong-min earlier criticised Hyundai for trying to gain favour with the Trump administration, thereby weakening South Korea’s leverage during the trade talks.
The South Korean carmaker announced last month it would raise its US investment plan by 32 per cent to US$11.6 billion, only two weeks after its new electric car battery factory in Georgia was raided by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers.
The raid led to the arrest of hundreds of workers and sent shock waves across South Korea, which is an important US ally and a major investor in the country.
An immigration raid by US federal agents at the site of a Hyundai project in Ellabell, Georgia last month. Photo: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement/via Reuters
Seoul has also locked horns with Washington over US$350 billion in US investments as part of talks aimed at cutting tariffs on cars, South Korea’s key exports to the US.
“Isn’t the Korea-US tariff negotiation essentially a negotiation concerning Hyundai?” the lawmaker asked.
“Since Hyundai is the main player in this issue, I believe that the way Hyundai responded was not helpful to the negotiations.”
Hyundai Motor’s parent group in March announced a US$21 billion investment in the United States with US President Donald Trump at the White House. Later that month, Trump unveiled a 25 per cent tariff on imported vehicles.
In August, Hyundai announced plans to increase the investment to US$26 billion, following Trump’s summit with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung.
Two weeks after the raid, Hyundai Motor Company CEO Jose Munoz announced plans to produce more than 80 per cent of the vehicles it sells in the US by 2030 in response to US tariffs, as it ramps up its Georgia plant’s capacity.
8. USFK says U.S. gov't shutdown does not affect pay, status of S. Korean workers
South Korean workers' wages are paid by the ROK government, not the US government.
(LEAD) USFK says U.S. gov't shutdown does not affect pay, status of S. Korean workers | Yonhap News Agency
en.yna.co.kr · Lee Minji · October 14, 2025
(ATTN: RECASTS headline, lead; UPDATES with U.S. Forces Korea statement)
By Lee Minji and Kim Hyun-soo
SEOUL, Oct. 14 (Yonhap) -- A U.S. government shutdown that began earlier this month has not affected the pay or employment status of South Korean employees, the U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) said Tuesday, ruling out the possibility of the issue affecting the wage of local workers.
The remark by the USFK came after some South Korean employees working for the U.S. Air Force stationed in South Korea were found to have not received wages for a three-day period that was marked as a furlough, or unpaid leave, according to a source.
"The current U.S. government shutdown has not affected their pay or employment status, and we are actively working to resolve any discrepancies for those who received partial pay," a USFK official told Yonhap News Agency.
"Korean employees working under the Special Measures Agreement are funded through a cost-sharing mechanism between the Republic of Korea and the United States," the official said, referring to South Korea by its formal name.
The affected workers' wages for the Oct. 1-3 period went unpaid in the latest stipend they received for the Sept. 21-Oct. 4 period, according to the source. South Korean employees working for the Air Force receive their wages every two weeks.
No advance notices or follow-up explanations were given, the source said.
The exact number of the affected workers was not immediately available, but the issue appears to have affected the majority of employees at the armed service's Osan and Gunsan air bases.
A U.S. 7th Air Force official said the accounting office at the armed service is in the process of determining the cause of the incident, without further elaboration.
The latest incident comes as the U.S. government officially shut down on Oct. 1 for the first time since 2019 after a divided Congress failed to reach an agreement over a short-term funding measure.
No payment issues for South Korean employees were reported during the previous shutdown in 2019.
Their wages are mostly funded by South Korea's share of defense spending, raising views the latest incident could stem from a technical glitch.
This Aug. 27, 2025, file photo shows South Korean and American troops taking part in combined river crossing drills in Yeoju, Gyeonggi Province. (Yonhap)
mlee@yna.co.kr
(END)
Related Articles
en.yna.co.kr · Lee Minji · October 14, 2025
9. S. Korea to revive foundation supporting suspended inter-Korean factory complex
I doubt that Kim will be receptive unless the funds are greater than what he is getting from Putin. (and the support he is getting from China). Now he can weigh the risk: is the money he can extract from the South worth the exposure of the Korean people in the north to Koreans from the South and the information they bring into the north?
Then there is the moral question. All money goes to the Kim family regime and almost none to the Korean people.
(LEAD) S. Korea to revive foundation supporting suspended inter-Korean factory complex | Yonhap News Agency
en.yna.co.kr · Park Boram · October 14, 2025
(ATTN: RECASTS headline, lead para; UPDATES throughout with more remarks)
SEOUL, Oct. 14 (Yonhap) -- The government plans to reinstate a now-defunct foundation supporting the Kaesong Industrial Complex as part of its efforts to reopen the suspended inter-Korean factory zone in the North Korean border town of Kaesong, Unification Minister Chung Dong-young said Tuesday.
The minister disclosed the plan during a parliamentary audit session of the unification ministry as the government seeks to mend strained ties with North Korea.
The Kaesong Industrial Complex, once a symbol of inter-Korean cooperation, has remained closed for a decade since Seoul suspended its operations in February 2016 in response to North Korea's nuclear and missile provocations.
In March last year, the Kaesong Industrial District Foundation, a body under the unification ministry responsible for services for South Korean firms operating in the complex, was disbanded under the former conservative Yoon Suk Yeol government.
"By reviving the Kaesong Industrial District Foundation, the government will prepare for the reoperation of the complex," Chung said.
Currently, the unification ministry is conducting a procedural review for the foundation's reinstatement, according to the ministry.
The outlook for the industrial zone's resumption, however, remains grim, as North Korea continues to be highly negative toward any engagement with Seoul.
Unification Minister Chung Dong-young speaks to the parliamentary Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee in August 2025. (Yonhap)
Chung also reaffirmed the Lee Jae Myung administration's "END" initiative to promote peace with the North -- "exchange," "normalization" and "denuclearization" -- released during his address at the U.N. General Assembly last month, vowing to maintain a consistent approach in seeking peace.
"The government will make consistent efforts to ease tensions and recover trust," Chung told the parliamentary Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee.
The minister reaffirmed the "END" initiative, saying the ministry's efforts to resume dialogue with North Korea and promote peace on the Korean Peninsula will be based on the vision.
The initiative calls for promoting exchanges with North Korea, normalizing inter-Korean ties and denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, a vision serving Lee's policy of easing military tensions and building peace on the peninsula.
pbr@yna.co.kr
(END)
en.yna.co.kr · Park Boram · October 14, 2025
10. N. Korea erects 10 km-long anti-tank barriers along inter-Korean border: lawmaker
Excerpts:
The North has halted extending the anti-tank barriers and is clearing land in nearby areas in an apparent move to provide a clear line of sight, Yu said.
"North Korea's anti-tank barriers are symbolic structures demonstrating its 'two hostile states' policy," he said, calling for the military to factor in the anti-tank obstacles in its operational plan.
In December 2023, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un defined inter-Korean ties as those between "two states hostile to each other" and vowed not to seek reconciliation and unification with the South.
N. Korea erects 10 km-long anti-tank barriers along inter-Korean border: lawmaker | Yonhap News Agency
en.yna.co.kr · Lee Minji · October 14, 2025
SEOUL, Oct. 14 (Yonhap) -- North Korea has built sections of anti-tank barriers spanning 10 kilometers along the tense inter-Korean border, a lawmaker said Tuesday, in the North's apparent efforts to sever ties with South Korea.
The North has so far built four clusters of anti-tank barriers, each measuring 2.5 km, in areas north of the Military Demarcation Line in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), Rep. Yu Yong-weon of the main opposition People Power Party said, citing satellite imagery and information submitted by the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
The anti-tank barriers appeared to stand about four to five meters tall and comprised a two-meter-wide concrete wall on the side facing southward, supported by mounds of earth on the other side, Yu said, citing satellite imagery compiled by the Finland-based ICEYE.
The North has halted extending the anti-tank barriers and is clearing land in nearby areas in an apparent move to provide a clear line of sight, Yu said.
"North Korea's anti-tank barriers are symbolic structures demonstrating its 'two hostile states' policy," he said, calling for the military to factor in the anti-tank obstacles in its operational plan.
In December 2023, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un defined inter-Korean ties as those between "two states hostile to each other" and vowed not to seek reconciliation and unification with the South.
The North has since deployed troops within its side of the DMZ separating the two Koreas to plant mines, erect anti-tank barriers and reinforce barbed wire fences.
This satellite imagery captured by ICEYE and provided by People Power Party Rep. Yu Yong-weon on Oct. 14, 2025, shows anti-tank barriers built by North Korea on its side of the Military Demarcation Line. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
mlee@yna.co.kr
(END)
en.yna.co.kr · Lee Minji · October 14, 2025
11. Unification minister reaffirms initiative to end hostility, pursue dialogue with N. Korea
What is the incentive for Kim to talk? We have to realize that conventional diplomatic approaches and conventional international relations theory does not apply toi Kim Jong Un.
From a forthcoming paper that will soon be published:
Classical realism views states as rational actors pursuing survival within an anarchic system. Liberal institutionalism presumes that engagement, commerce, and dialogue can socialize regimes toward cooperation. Constructivism argues that shared norms and identity can reshape behavior. All three lenses assume a basic rationality and self-preservation instinct tied to the welfare of a population. North Korea violates each assumption.
The Kim regime’s legitimacy derives not from performance or consent but from absolute control through surveillance, repression, and ideological isolation. It does not behave as a rational state maximizing national interest; it acts as a family-run mafia enterprise whose overriding imperative is regime survival at all costs. The welfare of the population is irrelevant except insofar as it sustains the regime’s security. Attempts to apply realist balance-of-power logic (e.g., deterrence and containment) ignore the regime’s need to fabricate external threats to justify internal control. Liberal hopes that trade and aid might induce moderation fail because any influx of information or prosperity threatens the regime’s monopoly on truth. Constructivist efforts to foster mutual understanding collapse because the north’s ideological foundation of Juche and Songun, and hereditary deification rejects coexistence as ideological heresy.
In short, the Kim family regime does not seek peaceful coexistence; it seeks permanent confrontation to sustain its domestic control. The problem is not miscommunication between rational states but the irreconcilable nature of a totalitarian system whose very identity depends on the division of Korea – until it can achieve domination.
Unification minister reaffirms initiative to end hostility, pursue dialogue with N. Korea | Yonhap News Agency
en.yna.co.kr · Park Boram · October 14, 2025
SEOUL, Oct. 14 (Yonhap) -- Unification Minister Chung Dong-young on Tuesday reaffirmed the Lee Jae Myung administration's initiative to end hostility and pursue dialogue with North Korea, vowing to maintain a consistent approach in seeking peace.
Chung made the remarks during a parliamentary audit of the ministry, as Lee unveiled the "END" initiative to promote peace with the North -- "exchange," "normalization" and "denuclearization" -- during his address at the U.N. General Assembly last month.
"The government will make consistent efforts to ease tensions and recover trust," Chung told the parliamentary Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee.
The minister reaffirmed the "END" initiative, saying the ministry's efforts to resume dialogue with North Korea and promote peace on the Korean Peninsula will be based on the vision.
The initiative calls for promoting exchanges with North Korea, normalizing inter-Korean ties and denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, a vision serving Lee's policy of easing military tensions and building peace on the peninsula.
Unification Minister Chung Dong-young speaks to the parliamentary Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee in August 2025. (Yonhap)
pbr@yna.co.kr
(END)
en.yna.co.kr · Park Boram · October 14, 2025
12. Unification ministry disbands North Korean human rights office in overhaul
So disappointing and sad.
This is one of the worst assumptions any official can make: By not addressing human rights, Kim will be willing to negotiate. Nothing could be wrong.
So peace at any cost for South Korea? The cost is 26 million Korean brothers and sisters facing certain suffering, torture, and death in the north.
We need a human rights up front approach if we want to change the conditions on the Korean peninsula.
Unification ministry disbands North Korean human rights office in overhaul
Seoul says restructuring aims to promote inter-Korean dialogue, but activists slam changes for undermining rights work
https://www.nknews.org/2025/10/unification-ministry-disbands-north-korean-human-rights-office-in-overhaul/
Jooheon Kim October 14, 2025
The logo of Seoul's Ministry of Unification | Image: NK News
Seoul’s unification ministry announced a major organizational overhaul on Tuesday aimed at reviving its core mandate of promoting dialogue and exchange with North Korea, which it claimed was hollowed out under the former Yoon administration.
But the ministry’s decision to dissolve a dedicated office focusing on DPRK human rights and humanitarian issues drew sharp criticism from advocacy groups, which called the move inconsistent with the Lee Jae-myung government’s pledge to support improvements in the North’s human rights situation.
The plan released Tuesday reinstates the Office of Inter-Korean Dialogue, which the Yoon administration merged into the Inter-Korean Relations Management Bureau. The office is expected to serve as the government’s control tower for dialogue with Pyongyang, handling the planning for inter-Korean meetings, communication channels and border-crossing procedures.
The Peace and Exchange Office will also be reestablished. This office is designed to “prepare for the future of peace, economic cooperation and shared growth on the Korean Peninsula,” according to the ministry, as well as promoting “mutually beneficial inter-Korean cooperation in humanitarian aid and climate and environmental issues.”
The ministry will create two new units under the plan: the peace cooperation zone promotion unit overseeing inter-Korean economic projects like the Kaesong Industrial Complex, and the Korean peninsula policy engagement council serving as a minister-level body aimed at increasing public participation in unification policy.
Meanwhile, the National Institute for Unification Education will be renamed the National Institute for Peace, Unification and Democracy Education.
The most controversial part of the plan is likely to be the ministry’s move to disband the Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs Office and merge its functions into a new Social and Cultural Cooperation Bureau.
The new bureau will be responsible for addressing humanitarian issues such as separated families, abductees, detainees and POWs, while supporting North Korean defectors’ resettlement and self-reliance. It will also feature a division dedicated to inter-Korean human rights cooperation and a team in charge of managing the National Memorial for Abductees during the Korean War.
Hubert Young-hwan Lee, head of the Seoul-based Transitional Justice Working Group (TJWG), criticized the reorganization, claiming that the ministry is “erasing North Korean human rights issues.”
“An official in charge of an office holds a higher position than someone who oversees a bureau,” he told NK News.
“The terminology around North Korean human rights has been reframed under the banner of ‘peace’ and ‘dialogue.’ In practice, however, any topics that are uncomfortable for North Korea are unlikely to be raised.”
Other advocates criticized the decision to lump together the issues of separated families and abductees under the Social and Cultural Cooperation Bureau, arguing that they are distinct issues that Seoul used to handle separately.
“Unlike separated families, wartime abductees were forcibly taken to the North against their will,” Park Moon-jung, international relations manager at the Korean War Abductees’ Family Union, told NK News.
She said the DPRK’s abduction of ROK nationals constitutes a crime and should thus be handled by an independent division.
North Korea has also abducted thousands of South Korean citizens since the end of the Korean War, most of them fishermen, according to the unification ministry. Pyongyang has consistently ignored U.N. inquiries into its involvement in enforced disappearances.
Choi Jin-young, the son of abducted missionary Choi Chun-gil, called for restoring the task force dedicated to abductees and for Seoul to take concrete diplomatic measures to ensure their repatriation.
The missionaries Choi Chun-gil (right), Kim Kook-kie (left) and Kim Jung-wook, all ROK citizens whose fate remains unknown after North Korea imprisoned them a decade ago | Image: Ministry of Unification
The ministry defended its position in response to activists’ criticisms, denying that it is downplaying the issue.
“The government has shifted its human rights policy from a confrontational approach to a peace- and cooperation-oriented approach, and reorganized the relevant units accordingly, scaling them down and restructuring them into the Social and Cultural Cooperation Bureau,” a ministry official told NK News.
The ministry added that staffing will increase by 67 under the overhaul, restoring about 83% of the personnel cut under the previous reorganization.
The previous Yoon Suk yeol’s administration focused on defector-related issues and promoting awareness of North Korean human rights abuses, including through North Korean Defector’s Day, while simultaneously reinforcing military deterrence against the DPRK’s weapons development.
During the presidential election, Lee Jae-myung notably pledged to pursue tangible improvements to North Korean human rights, appearing to place more emphasis on the issue than past progressives in an effort to appeal to moderates.
Lim Soon-hee, a senior research fellow at the Database Center for North Korean Human Rights (NKDB), stressed the need for the South Korean government to maintain a consistent policy toward Pyongyang’s human rights abuses regardless of which administration is in power.
“It feels like a repeat of the same patterns from past governments. I hope the government listens to the voices of NGOs calling for a consistent North Korea policy that genuinely seeks to improve human rights in the country,” she said.
MINISTRY AUDIT
Tuesday’s announcement came as Unification Minister Chung Dong-young appeared at the National Assembly for a regular audit of government ministries.
In his comments to lawmakers, he said the ROK government will confirm the “peaceful two-state theory” as its official position, referring to his controversial recent proposal to acknowledge that North and South operate as separate countries.
“Institutionalizing peaceful coexistence between the two states is the way to open the door to unification,” Chung said. “Because we are not able to move toward two states at the moment, we can’t move toward unification either.”
Asked whether Seoul views the DPRK as its main enemy, he said he believes President Lee Jae-myung doesn’t consider North Korea the main enemy.
Whether Pyongyang is Seoul’s “main enemy” has been a recurring theme in opposition lawmakers’ questioning during confirmation hearings for several of Lee’s nominees for top administration positions, most recently for the nominee to lead the ROK military.
In response to a question about the possibility of the U.S.-North Korea summit during the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in South Korea, the minister said it is possible.
“Based on the analysis of publicly available information and materials, the leaders of both North Korea and the United States are ready,” he said, noting that it depends on Trump’s decision.
He also emphasized the ineffectiveness of sanctions against the DPRK, stating that the country’s nuclear capabilities have been advanced and strengthened despite sanctions and coercive policies.
In his report ahead of the audit, Chung pledged to restore the 2018 Comprehensive Military Agreement (CMA) and advance trust between the two Koreas’ militaries.
He added that North Korea is pushing to cement a “two-state” framework and achieve recognition as a nuclear power, while strengthening ties with China and Russia. But he claimed that despite 3.7% growth in 2024 aided by Russia, the DPRK’s economy hasn’t returned to pre-2017 levels.
Edited by Alannah Hill and Bryan Betts
13. Dozens of flights forced to abort landings due to North Korean GPS jamming
Is this an act by a responsible member of the international community or a malign actor?
Dozens of flights forced to abort landings due to North Korean GPS jamming
ROK lawmaker says signal interference has led to 46 go-arounds since last year, calling activity a ‘clear provocation’
https://www.nknews.org/2025/10/dozens-of-flights-forced-to-abort-landings-due-to-north-korean-gps-jamming/
Jooheon Kim October 14, 2025
South Korea's presidential airplane lifting off from an airport in Seoul | Image: Presidential Security Service (2018), edited by NK News
Dozens of South Korean civilian aircraft have had to abort landings and climb to a safe altitude due to GPS jamming by North Korea over the last year, according to an ROK lawmaker.
The office of Park Jeong-hun told NK News there were 32 cases of pilots initiating go-arounds due to such signal interference last year, as well as 14 cases this year through September, citing flight data from the transport ministry and reports on GPS interference from the science ministry.
“North Korea’s GPS jamming is a clear provocation against South Korea and poses a serious threat to flight safety,” Park, a member of the National Assembly’s Science, ICT, Broadcasting and Communications Committee, said in a press release.
The lawmaker from the conservative People Power Party (PPP) said Seoul should neutralize Pyongyang’s provocations to expedite the deployment of a ROK-made GPS system by 2035. Seoul plans to establish a satellite navigation system capable of providing centimeter-level positioning information over the Korean Peninsula and surrounding areas.
Park’s office said there were no recorded cases of go-arounds caused by North Korean GPS jamming from 2020 to 2023.
“The interference sharply increased in November 2024. Since then, the frequency has been somewhat lower, but it hasn’t decreased significantly and has remained fairly steady,” an aide told NK News.
Park’s office said a total of 5,585 aircraft have reported GPS signal interference since 2020, with 1,778 cases reported by civilian aircraft this year.
When civilian aircraft experience GPS interference, they are required to report the disruption to air traffic control, cease using GPS and navigate using ground-based facilities, according to Park’s office. During this process, go-arounds and other safety procedures may be necessary, which can lead to increased fuel consumption and longer flight times.
“Some agencies have pointed out that the exact locations of interference events are not always properly shared,” the aide said.
The Central Radio Management Service under the science ministry monitors GPS jamming, and the organization notifies the ocean ministry and the defense ministry in case of signal interference.
The office of PPP lawmaker Kang Dae-sik previously said a South Korean unmanned naval helicopter crashed into the Yellow Sea last year due to North Korean GPS jamming near the maritime border.
According to Kang, North Korea carried out GPS jamming attacks every day for 329 days from Oct. 2 last year until Aug. 26 this year. During that period, DPRK signal interference reportedly affected 4,915 aircraft and 1,000 vessels.
The science ministry acknowledged that GPS jamming has continued since last October but noted a sharp decline in reported incidents since March. It declined to comment on how many jamming cases occurred in September or whether the Lee Jae-myung administration advised against sharing sensitive information to maintain peace with Pyongyang.
Earlier this month, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) criticized North Korea for repeated GPS jamming incidents that put civilian air traffic at risk on the Korean Peninsula.
Edited by Bryan Betts
14. US, ROK forces did not carry out delayed drills last month as planned: JCS chief
US, ROK forces did not carry out delayed drills last month as planned: JCS chief
Jin Yong-sung also says North Korea’s new Hwasong-20 ICBM may use Russian tech at parliamentary audit
https://www.nknews.org/2025/10/us-rok-forces-did-not-carry-out-delayed-drills-last-month-as-planned-jcs-chief/
Joon Ha Park October 14, 2025
South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Jin Yong-sung at the National Assembly audit and U.S.-ROK joint river-crossing exercise for the 2025 Ulchi Freedom Shield drills | Image: National Assembly via YouTube (Oct. 14, 2025), ROK Army, edited by NK News
Nearly all of the U.S.-ROK field training exercises postponed from August’s Ulchi Freedom Shield (UFS) drills on countering North Korean threats have now resumed, Seoul’s top military official said Tuesday, though not all were completed by their original September deadline.
Gen. Jin Yong-sung, chairman of the ROK Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), also assessed that North Korea’s newly unveiled Hwasong-20 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) may have incorporated Russian technology, while stressing that ROK defenses remain capable of intercepting the new Hwasong-11Ma(E) hypersonic short-range ballistic missile (SRBM).
Jin made the remarks to the National Assembly’s Defense Committee during a JCS audit, where lawmakers pressed the military on joint training schedules with U.S. troops, North Korean weapons advances and Seoul’s broader deterrence posture.
The JCS chairman said that as of Friday “all but one” of roughly 20 postponed drills from this year’s UFS exercise are taking place.
“We were unable to complete all postponed exercises within September as initially targeted,” he told lawmakers, responding to data showing that only five of the 22 delayed exercises were completed last month.
The joint UFS multi-domain exercise, held from Aug. 18 to 28, involved extensive computer-simulated and live field drills designed to enhance combined operational readiness against North Korean threats.
Seoul and Washington announced at the time that about half of the 40 planned outdoor maneuvers would be delayed to September due to “extreme heat,” though some speculated that North Korea’s strong objections to the drills may also have been a factor.
“The timing was adjusted according to the status of participating units and local training areas. I can assure you that all the remaining drills will be executed by the end of the year,” Jin stated.
North Korea’s Hwasong-11Ma SRBMs equipped with HGVs, atop a TEL previously seen with the Hwasong-11C SRBM at the Oct. 10 military parade | Image: KCNA (Oct. 11, 2025)
OCTOBER 10 PARADE
In his opening remarks, the JCS chief noted that North Korea’s Oct. 10 military parade showcased “core weapon systems such as ICBMs and hypersonic glide missiles to demonstrate the regime’s modernization drive.”
Jin said it was “notable that [North Korea] carried out the parade despite heavy rain,” adding that the display reflected an effort “to project the operational realism of its forces and equipment.”
Regarding Pyongyang’s newly unveiled Hwasong-20 solid-fuel ICBM, he said there is a “significant possibility” the weapon may have benefited from Russian technical assistance.
He also voiced confidence in South Korea’s ability to intercept the North’s Hwasong-11Ma short-range hypersonic missile, responding to concerns that South Korea’s Cheongung, PAC-3 and L-SAM interceptor systems remain insufficient.
“Even if the interception rate is somewhat lower, it can still be intercepted,” Jin told lawmakers.
“There is still room to verify the North’s actual technological capabilities, but we are carefully preparing countermeasures and reinforcing our defense systems accordingly,” he added.
Asked about the DPRK’s loitering drones shown at the parade, Jin said the drones appeared similar to both the Israeli Harop and Iranian Shahed and agreed it was possible North Korea could employ a combination of drones and ballistic missiles in future attacks, similar to Russian operations in Ukraine.
He added that the South Korean military is studying ways to integrate its air defense and missile interception systems to respond to such tactics.
An annotated satellite image depicting North Korea’s installation of anti-tank structures along the Demilitarized Zone | Image: National Assembly via YouTube (Oct. 14, 2025)
ANTI-TANK STRUCTURES AND INTEL GATHERING
During Tuesday’s audit, opposition lawmaker Yu Yong-woen raised the issue of anti-tank barriers that North Korea has constructed along key maneuver corridors inside the Demilitarized Zone, describing them as part of Pyongyang’s recent efforts to physically reinforce the inter-Korean border.
Citing new satellite imagery, he said the structures stretch for about 10 kilometers across four areas between Paju and Goseong, with each section measuring roughly 2 meters wide and up to 5 meters high.
Jin confirmed the existence of the barriers, previously reported by NK Pro, stating the military is “closely verifying information through various sources” and reviewing “appropriate responses.”
On South Korea’s intelligence imagery capabilities, Jin remarked that the military is working to integrate data from both defense and commercial satellites to increase the speed and frequency of image collection.
“It’s important to use both military reconnaissance satellites and commercial satellites so we can obtain repeated imagery in a short time,” he said. “We are pursuing projects along those lines.”
His comments came after lawmakers pointed to gaps in Seoul’s reconnaissance capacity, noting that even after launching five spy satellites under the 425 Project, the system’s revisit time would still exceed two hours.
South Korea launched its first military reconnaissance satellite in Dec. 2023 and has since begun deploying new low-Earth orbit systems under the 425 Project.
The fifth satellite is reportedly slated for launch in early November, and the full constellation is expected to form a key component of South Korea’s Kill Chain preemptive strike strategy against North Korean threats.
Edited by Bryan Betts
15. N. Korea possibly received Russian aid for Hwasong-20 ICBM: JCS chairman
Kim getting all the help he needs?
(LEAD) N. Korea possibly received Russian aid for Hwasong-20 ICBM: JCS chairman | Yonhap News Agency
en.yna.co.kr · Lee Minji · October 14, 2025
(ATTN: ADDS remarks; TRIMS)
By Lee Minji
SEOUL, Oct. 14 (Yonhap) -- North Korea has possibly received technological assistance from Russia in developing a new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) that was first showcased during a recent military parade, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said Tuesday.
North Korea unveiled the Hwasong-20 ICBM, which it described as "the most powerful nuclear strategic weapon system," in a military parade held last week to mark the 80th anniversary of the founding of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea.
The design of the transporter erector launcher for the Hwasong-20 appeared to be different compared with the previous Hwasong-19 first fired in October last year, raising speculation the North may have received support from Russia in developing the new long-range missile amid their deepening military alignment.
"I believe there is sufficient possibility," JCS Chairman Gen. Jin Yong-sung said in a parliamentary audit session, when asked about such a possibility.
While vowing to thoroughly analyze the North's new weapons system, Jin assessed the North may have showcased the Hwasong-20 even before test-launching it in a bid to flaunt its military strength.
Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Jin Yong-sung speaks during a parliamentary audit session on Oct. 14, 2025. (Pool photo) (Yonhap)
Alongside the Hwasong-20 ICBM, the North unveiled an array of weapons ranging from a new hypersonic missile to vehicles designed to launch multiple attack drones.
When asked about the military's capabilities in responding to the hypersonic missile, Jin said "the accuracy of interception may slightly falter but they can be intercepted."
He acknowledged concerns over the North's weapons development and said the military will thoroughly prepare to respond to it, adding further technological verification is necessary for the new weapons systems.
When asked about the role of the U.S. Forces Korea (USFK), Jin said he is "certain that the USFK is stationed on the Korean Peninsula and will continue to do so going forward."
Addressing U.S. Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll's recent remarks describing both North Korea and China as "basic" threats in regional security when asked about the USFK's role, Jin called it an opinion from the U.S. side and urged close cooperation factoring in both South Korea's national interest and the South Korea-U.S. alliance.
Going forward, Jin said the allies are in the process of fine-tuning an agenda aimed at strengthening the alliance to be discussed during their upcoming Military Committee Meeting.
"The general purpose of alliance modernization is cooperating on how the South Korea-U.S. alliance can acquire robust capabilities and strengthen their readiness posture," he said.
Jin said the transition of a conditions-based operational control from Washington to Seoul is among the potential issues to top the agenda in the November meeting, saying the allies are cooperating on meeting the conditions.
mlee@yna.co.kr
(END)
en.yna.co.kr · Lee Minji · October 14, 2025
16. Palantir CEO Sees Korea as Crucial Market for AI and Hardware Fusion
Palantir CEO Sees Korea as Crucial Market for AI and Hardware Fusion
Alex Karp highlights partnerships with HD Hyundai, KT, praising Korea's engineering in AI transformation
https://www.chosun.com/english/industry-en/2025/10/14/SKYAAYOIJRBXLAJFRDRVN2KVBU/
By Kim Seong-min
Published 2025.10.14. 14:58
Updated 2025.10.14. 21:55
On the 13th, Alex Karp, Palantir CEO, met in Seongsu-dong, Seoul, and said, 'Palantir hopes to become the world's most important and dominant software company, making the United States and its allies the world's top military power beyond dispute.' /Kim Ji-ho
‘130.6 billion Korean won’
This is the net purchase amount (buys minus sells) by South Korean investors in Palantir Technologies, a U.S. tech company, during last year’s Chuseok holiday period. An exchange-traded fund (ETF) that bets on double the return of Palantir’s stock price increase also saw an inflow of 46.4 billion Korean won. Both ranked among the top 10 net purchases by domestic investors in the U.S. stock market. A little-known U.S. B2B (business-to-business) company is gaining intense popularity.
Palantir was co-founded in 2003 by Peter Thiel, co-founder of PayPal, and Alex Karp, current CEO of Palantir, among others, with the determination to prevent a recurrence of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The U.S. artificial intelligence (AI) data analysis company integrates and analyzes vast amounts of data held by individual governments and enterprises using AI, helping them make strategically optimal decisions. Palantir’s AI-based software is actively used in security and public safety sectors, applied by the U.S. CIA (Central Intelligence Agency) and Department of Defense. It is known to have played a significant role in tracking and killing Osama bin Laden, whom the U.S. identified as behind the 9/11 attacks and who was in hiding.
Palantir, a B2B software company, opened a pop-up store in Seongsu-dong, Seoul, from the 14th to the 15th, selling T-shirts and caps featuring the company’s logo and symbols for the general public. The event was for domestic investors and fans. Karp, the CEO, also visited Korea for the occasion.
Karp, recognizable by his distinctive white curly hair, spoke without hesitation. He talked extensively about Korea, effortlessly mentioning not only its industries but also its culture. Karp particularly disliked comparisons between Palantir and other companies—a sign of confidence. When asked if Palantir’s stock, with a high price-to-earnings ratio (PER) of 580 times, was overvalued or a bubble compared to its performance, he said, “We have the best products, and customers seem to like them.” He added, “Korea is the most interesting market commercially, excluding the U.S.”
-Why do you see Korea as an interesting market?
“Korea has a unique manufacturing and hardware culture. Combining this with AI and software could explode the potential of Korean companies. In fact, Korea’s long resistance to software application and efficiency has become an advantage in the AI era. Many Korean companies have owners with deep engineering expertise who genuinely consider applying software to transform industries. What’s needed to expand this potential internationally is adding AI and software to Korea’s know-how.”
-Why did a B2B company open a pop-up store in Korea?
“We have the second-largest individual investor community for Palantir globally, right after the U.S. I’m not sure why young Koreans are so enthusiastic about Palantir, but I think it’s because they’ve noticed our deep technical capabilities. Korea has a long history of rising from nothing. The younger generation is highly dynamic and leads the world in art, theater, and music. They are very sensitive to trends in a positive sense. Palantir, like Korea, is a world-class tech organization with a unique culture. We also rose from nothing.”
Palantir logo / Yonhap
While Palantir’s popularity in the stock market is high, few clearly understand its business. Simply put, it is an AI-based data analysis company. What sets it apart is that its proprietary technology has broken the framework of traditional data analysis. The key concept is “ontology,” meaning “theory of existence.” Philosophically, it relates to how to define and connect numerous data points and the real world. This term symbolizes Karp, known as the “Silicon Valley eccentric philosopher,” who majored in philosophy at Harvard College, graduated from Stanford Law School, and earned a doctoral degree in post-classical social theory under Jürgen Habermas, a prominent social philosopher at Goethe University Frankfurt.
-Is ontology the key that distinguishes Palantir from other data analysis companies?
“Think of ontology as a structure that enables the implementation of large language models (LLMs) within your business context. This terrible name (ontology) and my academic background are deeply related.”
-How would you define Palantir in a single phrase?
“Actually, we are a processing company. I believe LLMs are like natural resources, and we process them. Our role is to make LLMs useful in corporate environments.”
Palantir has partnerships with HD Hyundai and KT in Korea. With HD Hyundai, it is co-developing the unmanned surface vessel (USV) “Tenebris” and advancing the FOS project to realize a futuristic smart shipyard. With KT, it has formed a partnership to accelerate AI transformation (AX) business, including joint development of a Korean-style AI platform education program targeting the domestic AX market.
-One issue with Korean companies is that they haven’t documented their hardware and engineering know-how into data. What are your thoughts?
“That’s not true. Korean companies simply didn’t input data into systems in traditional ways. Korea has vast, specialized data sets. General software companies might not access them, but we can. We can make all data useful.”
Karp believes technology should be actively utilized by nations. He argues that if AI helps make a country more efficient and stronger, it should be actively adopted. Though his stance sounds conservative, Karp has long supported the Democratic Party. Nonetheless, he clearly distinguishes between the U.S. and its allies and communist countries like China and Russia.
Alex Karp, Palantir CEO (right), shakes hands with Kim Young-shub, KT CEO, on the 14th. KT and Palantir held their first CEO meeting to discuss ways to expand the Palantir platform. /KT
-Are there distinctions in the countries Palantir collaborates with?
“We choose countries that share values with the West. We have never sold our products to Russia, China, Iran, or other communist or dictatorial countries like Vietnam.”
-There’s long-standing debate about applying AI to defense or weapon systems involving human life. Do you want to incorporate AI into weapons?
“We are already doing so. If we don’t, either we or our enemies will. We must choose who will set the rules, and I hope it’s the U.S. and its allies. I think applying AI to the military is not just acceptable but essential.”
-Some argue humans should make final decisions in weapon systems to prevent AI malfunctions. Do you agree?
“We disagree. Human decision-making is part of the process in attacks, but it’s unrealistic in defense. When enemies attack, there’s no time.”
-Palantir’s software could be used to create a surveillance society like in the movie ‘Minority Report.’
“That’s a different issue. While we actively support AI use in the military, we truly do not engage in internal surveillance, regardless of what people believe.”
Palantir faces criticism for this stance, as it can be seen as either a “villain” or a “hero” depending on perspective. However, Karp said, “I’m proud that there are many protesters who hate us. They think we’re evil, but I think they’re stupid.”
Protesters in Berlin, Germany, criticize Palantir and Trump. /EPA-Yonhap
-Does criticism bother you?
“Yes. I care about helping them understand how wrong they are. Who hates us can be a good way to judge if we’re doing the right thing. I’m proud they hate us.”
-What about Palantir’s next 10 years?
“We want to be the most important and dominant software company in making the U.S. and its allies the undisputed top military powers globally. We plan to focus on creating products that allow the West to maintain its dominant position. To put it crudely, no one messes with the strong. Better to say, no one disrespects the strong.”
The interview returned to the topic of Korea. Karp mentioned his mother used to stay in Korea for four months a year. “I didn’t understand it then, but I do now,” he said. “Korea is the only country that has sold music in a non-English language in the U.S. I’ve come to see that Korean culture is deeply artistic.”
-Your favorite food is said to be Kimchi-jjigae, Kimchi stew.
“Actually, I love total kimchi the most. I attended a magnet high school where all my friends were Korean. My first girlfriend was also Korean. I love total kimchi, Kimchi-jjigae, kimchi side dishes, and kubu radish kimchi.”
On the 13th, meets Alex Karp, Palantir CEO, at the Palantir pop-up store in Seongdong-gu, Seoul. /Kim Ji-ho
-Can Korean companies compete with China by adopting Palantir’s technology and AI?
“You’re very focused on competition. I don’t think that way. Competition is a very American approach. You need to think a bit more Asian. Why did my mother talk about Korean art? Because she thought it was the best in the world. Last year she talked about Japan, this year Korea, and next year China—no. It’s because Korean things are truly excellent. The West’s biggest mistake is trying to become European. Why not just be German, French, etc.? There’s value in that uniqueness.”
-Do you have a message for young Koreans and investors?
“Stick to your guns. Korean culture is truly special, and we’ll help it shine even more.”
17. China Sanctions Hanwha Ocean Subsidiaries in U.S. Trade Retaliation
China does not want to Make American Shipbuilding Great Again.
Unrestricted Warfare and Three Warfares. Plain as day.
China Sanctions Hanwha Ocean Subsidiaries in U.S. Trade Retaliation
Sanctions on Hanwha's U.S. units threaten Korea-U.S. shipbuilding cooperation project MASGA
https://www.chosun.com/english/world-en/2025/10/14/QPR7QJJTVZAGFE2NAKDX3BQZUM/
By Lee Beul-chan
Published 2025.10.14. 13:51
Updated 2025.10.14. 15:54
On August 26, the 'State of Maine' is docked at Hanwha Philly Shipyard in Philadelphia, U.S. The vessel, built under a U.S. Maritime Administration order after Hanwha acquired the Philly Shipyard late last year, symbolizes bilateral shipbuilding cooperation between the two countries. /AFP-Yonhap
The Chinese government announced sanctions on five U.S. subsidiaries of Hanwha Ocean on the 14th. As the U.S.-China trade war reignites ahead of the Gyeongju Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Meeting, the move marks Beijing’s retaliatory measure against Washington, with a South Korean company caught in the crossfire. The sanctions could also disrupt the ‘MASGA (Making the U.S. Shipbuilding Industry Great Again)’ Korea-U.S. shipbuilding cooperation project.
On the same day, China’s Ministry of Commerce stated that, under the “Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law,” it added five U.S. subsidiaries of Hanwha Ocean to its sanctions list, barring these entities from transacting or cooperating with Chinese organizations or individuals. The sanctioned entities include Hanwha Shipping, the Hanwha Philly Shipyard in Pennsylvania—which President Lee Jae-myung visited in August—and Hanwha Ocean USA International, Hanwha Shipping Holdings, and HS USA Holdings.
Regarding the rationale for the sanctions, Beijing explained that the move was a countermeasure against the U.S. investigation under Section 301 of the Trade Act, which targeted China’s maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors. It added, “Hanwha Ocean’s U.S. subsidiaries cooperated with and supported the U.S. government’s investigation against China, and we express strong discontent and resolute opposition.”
Earlier, the U.S. applied its final Section 301 measures, announced in April, imposing port service fees starting the 14th on ships owned or operated by Chinese companies and Chinese-flagged vessels. This was interpreted as the Trump administration’s effort to curb China’s shipbuilding and shipping industries while encouraging domestic ship construction. Section 301, which authorizes retaliation against “unfair trade practices,” has been widely used by the U.S. to impose measures on trading partners.
China’s latest sanctions come as the U.S.-China trade war escalates ahead of the Gyeongju summit. On the 10th, Beijing tightened rare earth export controls targeting the U.S., while Washington retaliated with 100% additional tariffs on Chinese goods. As both sides clash head-on before the leaders’ meeting, the conflict has expanded to shipping and shipbuilding, with South Korea facing collateral damage.
The sanctions also threaten to hinder Korea-U.S. shipbuilding cooperation. Since Hanwha’s acquisition of the Philadelphia Shipyard last year, the company has become central to the ‘MASGA’ project, a symbol of bilateral collaboration. In August, China’s state-run Global Times openly expressed concern, stating, “As the U.S. focuses on revitalizing its shipbuilding industry, it seems increasingly eager to integrate South Korea and Japan into its defense industry.”
18. Trump's 'Peace Through Strength' Strategy: Beyond the Middle East?
Conclusion:
If realized, this would be a groundbreaking advancement and historic achievement for Middle East peace. With dominance in the region, the U.S. is expected to demonstrate stronger leadership in the Ukraine war and the global power struggle with China. If the effectiveness of the “peace through strength” strategy in the Middle East is confirmed, President Trump is likely to expand a similar approach across his foreign policy. This could significantly influence the U.S.’s stance in security and trade negotiations with allies like South Korea.
Trump's 'Peace Through Strength' Strategy: Beyond the Middle East?
[Chosun Column] U.S. 'diplomacy of power' success in Gaza War could expand to Ukraine, global rivalry with China
https://www.chosun.com/english/opinion-en/2025/10/13/URNPAP4PWJDUNH3ZCIVHZ2LBEM/
By Lee Yong-joon Chairman of the Sejong Institute, Former North Korea Nuclear Ambassador, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Published 2025.10.13. 23:55
Updated 2025.10.14. 14:04
Donald Trump, US President, right, and Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli Prime Minister, enter the East Room of the White House for a joint press conference on the 4th. /AFP-Yonhap
The Gaza Strip was designated as Palestinian territory in a 1947 UN General Assembly resolution but came under Egyptian occupation following the First Middle East War (1948) and Israeli occupation after the Third Middle East War (1967). Since 1994, it has been governed by the Palestinian Authority under the Oslo Accords between Israel and the PLO (Palestine Liberation Organization). However, after the hardline armed faction Hamas within the Palestinian Authority seized control of the Gaza Strip by force in 2007, three large-scale Gaza Wars (2008, 2012, 2014) erupted between Israel and Hamas. The fourth Gaza War began on October 7, 2023, following Hamas’ surprise attack on Israeli civilians.
Initially an internal conflict between Israel and Hamas, the Gaza War escalated into an international war as the so-called “Axis of Resistance”—comprising Lebanon, Syria, Iraq’s armed groups, Iran, and Yemen’s Houthi rebels—intervened militarily to support Hamas. Israel’s hardline response, aimed at completely annihilating Hamas and its backers, the “Axis of Resistance,” expanded the war to Lebanon’s Hezbollah, Syria, Iraq, and even airstrikes on Iranian territory. The U.S. joined in intercepting Iranian missiles and bombing nuclear facilities. While fears of a large-scale Middle East war resurfaced, Iran’s overestimated military power crumbled before Israel.
After subduing the “Axis of Resistance,” Israel intensified its offensive to completely destroy Hamas. Hamas, seeking to regain control of the Gaza Strip, used civilians as shields and refused to surrender. Amid this intense standoff, Israel and Hamas, bowing to U.S. pressure for an early ceasefire, abruptly agreed to the first phase of the U.S.-proposed “Gaza Peace Initiative.” The agreement, centered on halting hostilities within 24 hours and releasing all hostages within 72 hours, unexpectedly opened a door to peace in a war-weary Middle East. Although hardliners on both sides are resisting, the die has been cast.
The successful agreement, which was unlikely due to Hamas’ strong opposition to releasing all hostages, has renewed attention to Trump’s “peace through strength” strategy and its tool, “diplomacy of power.” Neither Hamas nor Iran dared oppose the U.S.’s strong demand for an agreement because the “peace through strength” strategy—backed by U.S. tacit approval and support for Israel’s relentless attacks on the “Axis of Resistance”—proved effective. This strategy was used by the Reagan administration during the Cold War in the 1980s and was the driving force behind the Soviet Union’s collapse and the end of the Cold War.
Of course, the first-phase agreement is only the beginning, and the second phase—Hamas’ disarmament—is a far more challenging issue. A fierce confrontation is expected between Israel, which aims to permanently block Hamas’ return to the Gaza Strip, and Hamas, which seeks to regain control. The U.S.’s strong “diplomacy of power” is expected to continue in the second-phase negotiations. Even if the second-phase agreement fails after the first phase is implemented, Israel and the U.S., having already succeeded in releasing all hostages, will have reduced their humanitarian burden and gained justification for further punitive actions against Hamas, making the outcome not entirely unfavorable.
If the second-phase agreement succeeds, leading to Hamas’ disarmament and the establishment of a new governance system in the Gaza Strip, a sustainable Middle East peace framework led by the U.S. could take root. The U.S.’s ultimate goal is to secure Arab nations’ recognition of Israel’s right to exist. More specifically, it aims to expand the 2020 Abraham Accords, which followed Egypt’s 1980 and Jordan’s 1994 normalization with Israel and included the UAE, Bahrain, and Morocco during Trump’s first term. The plan is to extend this to neighboring Arab countries such as Lebanon, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman.
If realized, this would be a groundbreaking advancement and historic achievement for Middle East peace. With dominance in the region, the U.S. is expected to demonstrate stronger leadership in the Ukraine war and the global power struggle with China. If the effectiveness of the “peace through strength” strategy in the Middle East is confirmed, President Trump is likely to expand a similar approach across his foreign policy. This could significantly influence the U.S.’s stance in security and trade negotiations with allies like South Korea.
De Oppresso Liber,
David Maxwell
Vice President, Center for Asia Pacific Strategy
Senior Fellow, Global Peace Foundation
Editor, Small Wars Journal
Twitter: @davidmaxwell161
Phone: 202-573-8647
email: david.maxwell161@gmail.com
| 
