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Quotes of the Day:
“Nevertheless, at the moment that I write, geopolitics has a very particular tendency. Let me explain. A worldwide, bipolar military conflict has begun. It will progress in stages, feature hot war in certain places for extended periods of time, and cold war in other places and times. It will be the organizing principle of geopolitics for a few years to come. It is not a “clash of civilizations,” as Samuel Huntington put it, but it is a clash: a clash of broad value systems, which, while having their roots in national cultures and age-old traditions, are essentially modern and postmodern in their origins. It is a bipolar struggle that fuses the Global War on Terrorism with great-power conflict. Rather than the latter replacing the former as many had supposed would occur following the conclusion of our post-9/ 11 Mideast wars and Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, the two dramas now run together—as a result of the Gaza War and the mass casualty terror attacks it may yet spawn. One pole of this bipolar world features gangster states like Russia and North Korea; totalitarian states like China and, again, North Korea; a revolutionary and terrorist state like clerical Iran, with all of its proxies; and a movement that, as I shall explain, is at once age-old, Industrial, and post-Industrial: anti-Semitism. These are enemies more formidable and in ways more nihilistic than the old Soviet Union and Mao Zedong’s China. The Soviet leaders, who, because they were in many cases survivors of World War II and Stalin’s purges, were generally conservative and risk-averse in their actions. And when they weren’t, like Nikita Khrushchev in the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, they paid the price by being ousted from power. Leonid Brezhnev’s 1979 invasion of Afghanistan led eventually to the collapse of the Soviet system altogether. As for Mao, with all of his atrocities against his own people, he could be a rational actor in foreign affairs, as the Nixon Administration demonstrated. The current crop of villains constitute a more unstable, harder-to-predict human element than what we were used to dealing with during the Cold War. And these villains are all interlocked.”
— Waste Land: A World in Permanent Crisis by Robert D. Kaplan
https://a.co/ewkF8FA
"Carry out a random act of kindness with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you."
– Diana, Princess of Wales
"When the hour of crisis comes, remember that 40 selected men can shake the world".
– Yasotay, Mongol Warlord (Chinggis Khan’s "Special Forces" Commander)
1. 75 yrs after war outbreak, S. Korea-U.S. alliance looks headed for major shift
2. Top U.S. Marine in S. Korea stresses commitment to 'time-tested' alliance 75 years after war
3. New vice unification minister calls for restoration of inter-Korean dialogue channel
4. U.S. official hopeful for DMZ excavation resumption amid prospects for inter-Korean thaw under Lee
5. Backed into a corner, Iran may unleash hackers, spies, sleeper cells and terror proxies worldwide
6. New vice unification minister calls for restoration of inter-Korean dialogue channel
7. NSC to meet to discuss U.S. attack on Iran
8. S. Korea vows efforts to minimize impact of Middle East crisis following U.S. strikes in Iran
9. Lee meets with leaders of ruling, opposition parties
10. Finance ministry to hold emergency meeting to discuss impact of U.S. attacks on Iran
11. China’s Role in a Future Korean War
12. S. Korea voices hope for swift easing of tensions following U.S. attack on Iran
1. 75 yrs after war outbreak, S. Korea-U.S. alliance looks headed for major shift
It is sad that some of our officials think the US can only be a one trick pony and that we can only prioritize China.
Excerpts:
Uncertainty still hangs over the future trajectory of the treaty alliance, but a Pentagon official has made it clear that Washington prioritizes deterring China and looks to work with South Korea to ensure that the bilateral partnership is "strategically sustainable."
"We are prioritizing deterring China. That is one of our stated priorities," the official said during a press availability late last month, responding to a question from Yonhap News Agency.
"It is essential, as we do that, to work with Seoul to modernize the alliance and calibrate U.S. force posture on the peninsula to reflect the realities of the regional security environment."
From a presentation I will be going soon:
There is an unstated policy debate that focuses on the question: If we must choose, is Taiwan or Korea more important to U.S. national security? This is a false choice.
The answer is unequivocal: we must prepare to deter war and defend in both.
Weakness in one part of the theater invites adventurism in the other. China watches the Korean Peninsula for signals of American resolve. North Korea watches Taiwan for signs of distraction. We cannot afford to let one crisis unravel the deterrence architecture of the other.
That is why the United States must optimize its posture across the region. This includes: - Strengthening joint force integration and command relationships in Korea and Japan; - Enhancing the rotations of U.S. forces in Australia and the Philippines; - Prepositioning equipment and expanding access agreements with trusted regional partners; and ensuring that all U.S. forces are ready for simultaneous contingencies, not just sequential crises.
We must remember that strategic competition is not linear. It is concurrent, multi-domain, and ideological.
...
The real threat might be what the US intelligence Community’s Annual Threat Assessment describes as “adversarial cooperation.” Although the US considers China as the “pacing threat,” I argue that US alliances and partnerships must recognize and address the larger threat of cooperation, collaboration, and collusion among the so-called “CRInK.” And at the heart of this strategic competition between the “CRInK” and the modern nation-states is an ideological contest. And this requires deft use of the diplomatic and informational instruments of power and not only the military and economic tools. The permanent crises Kaplan describes are a result of the conflict between open and closed societies.
We should ask ourselves what brings the “CRInK” together and how is it like our alliances? There are four reasons for their cooperation: Fear, weakness, desperation, and envy. They fear the power of our alliances as despite our current frictions time and again we have demonstrated the power of alliances. They have inherent weaknesses within their political systems that make the vulnerable – Putin’s weakness is highly visible in his war in Ukraine, his inability to keep Assad in power, and the support he is currently unable to provide to Iran. They are desperate for support, particularly Russia and north Korea as seen in their current military cooperation. And last, they envy our alliances. However, they will never share the values and trust that we do, and their relationships can never be more than transactional.
These threats require a strategy of comprehensive deterrence, agile response, seizing the initiative, and unified resolve. We cannot fight yesterday’s wars. We must prepare for tomorrow’s contingencies while addressing the ongoing crises throughout the world.
(Korean War) 75 yrs after war outbreak, S. Korea-U.S. alliance looks headed for major shift | Yonhap News Agency
en.yna.co.kr · by Song Sang-ho · June 22, 2025
By Song Sang-ho
WASHINGTON, June 21 (Yonhap) -- As South Korea and the United States mark the 75th anniversary of the Korean War's outbreak this month, their alliance appears headed for a crucial shift, with the Donald Trump administration seeking to "modernize" it amid a hardening Sino-U.S. rivalry.
Born in the crucible of the 1950-53 conflict, the alliance has undergone adjustments in tune with America's policy changes, shifting regional and global security landscapes, South Korea's growing military capabilities and its pursuit of an enhanced role in what has been an asymmetric partnership.
Analysts anticipated that the Trump administration might seek to reconfigure the alliance to ensure that its purpose, operational scope and posture are well aligned with the U.S.' geostrategic priority to counter the "pacing" threat from an increasingly assertive China.
This photo, released by UPI, shows U.S. President Donald Trump walking from the Oval Office to board Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington on June 6, 2025. (Yonhap)
Uncertainty still hangs over the future trajectory of the treaty alliance, but a Pentagon official has made it clear that Washington prioritizes deterring China and looks to work with South Korea to ensure that the bilateral partnership is "strategically sustainable."
"We are prioritizing deterring China. That is one of our stated priorities," the official said during a press availability late last month, responding to a question from Yonhap News Agency.
"It is essential, as we do that, to work with Seoul to modernize the alliance and calibrate U.S. force posture on the peninsula to reflect the realities of the regional security environment."
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also pointed out efforts to "modernize" the alliance when he offered a congratulatory message to newly elected South Korean President Lee Jae Myung earlier this month.
"We are also modernizing the alliance to meet the demands of today's strategic environment and address new economic challenges," the secretary said.
This photo, released by the Associated Press, shows U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio meeting with Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide at the State Department in Washington on June 18, 2025. (Yonhap)
The talk of modernization comes as U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has tasked Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby to develop a new National Defense Strategy to prioritize increasing "burden-sharing" with allies and deterring Chinese threats. Its first draft is set to be presented to Hegseth no later than Aug. 31.
Modernization efforts could pose a policy dilemma to the Lee administration that will have to navigate increasingly convoluted geopolitics marked by strategic competition between the two superpowers, analysts pointed out.
South Korea has been seeking to firm up security cooperation with its sole ally, the U.S., in the face of a nuclearizing North Korea that has been emboldened by Russia's backing under the two countries' "comprehensive strategic partnership" treaty signed last June.
But it hopes to stably manage ties with China, a geographically proximate partner crucial for trade, economic and industrial cooperation and tourism, as well as for a hitherto unsuccessful endeavor to encourage North Korea to change course toward denuclearization.
Michael Raska, assistant professor at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, said U.S. officials appear to use the term, "modernization," to refer to a "strategic rethinking of the alliance's structure and purpose."
"While North Korea remains a central concern, the broader context is Washington's push to adapt its regional alliances to the realities of long-term strategic competition with China, including potential conflicts over Taiwan and South China Sea," Raska told Yonhap News Agency via email.
"In practical terms, this means the U.S. increasingly expects Seoul to align more closely with its Indo-Pacific strategies -- particularly in areas such as securing access to critical technologies, restructuring supply chains, enhancing maritime presence, and contributing to broader regional deterrence."
He added, "The Trump administration is also more (of a) transactional approach, emphasizing cost-sharing and likely pressing for more visible South Korean support for U.S. interests and initiatives in deterring China."
Rob Rapson, former acting U.S. ambassador to South Korea, also cast modernization as a move to ensure South Korea is in sync with the U.S.' strategic interests.
"The use of 'modernize' in this context seems like an effort to put a positive spin on what is essentially unilateral U.S. pressure on Seoul to 'reorient' or 'refocus' the strategic focus of the long-standing U.S.-ROK alliance in ways that better align with Trump administration priorities vis-a-vis China," Rapson told Yonhap News Agency. ROK is short for South Korea's official name, the Republic of Korea.
"There's also an implied threat that if the alliance is not 'modernized' in this way, it may not be 'sustainable.'" he added.
This photo, taken March 10, 2025, shows Apache helicopters at Camp Humphreys, a U.S. military base in Pyeongtaek, some 65 kilometers south of Seoul. (Yonhap)
Reorienting the alliance to confront Chinese threats is not new at all given that an initial effort toward the goal began in the early 2000s when the allies agreed to relocate key U.S. bases in Seoul and its surrounding areas -- including those close to the inter-Korean border -- to Pyeongtaek, a city better positioned to handle Chinese contingencies, experts said.
In particular, the relocation of front-line U.S. forces down to Pyeongtaek enabled them to attend more to security challenges from China in a broader context, as the move eased their role as the "tripwire," a term referring to their automatic involvement in the event of a contingency in South Korea.
"The efforts to build the infrastructure (for addressing Chinese threats) got under way in the 2000s when Seoul and Washington agreed on relocating U.S. bases to Pyeongtaek, though those efforts, including the strategic flexibility concept, had remained largely latent," Nam Chang-hee, professor of international politics at Inha University, said.
"What had been latent has now been emerging above the surface, particularly at a time when Sino-U.S. tensions are escalating amid their trade war. In the midst of all this, South Korea can be put under greater pressure from the U.S., which calls for Seoul to make a wise policy choice."
"Strategic flexibility" is a hotly debated issue that resurfaced amid the talk of alliance modernization. It refers to the use of U.S. troops in South Korea for a wider range of expeditionary operations, including roles for China-related contingencies -- a move further away from their traditional dedication to deterring North Korean threats.
Seoul and Washington agreed on the concept of strategic flexibility in 2006 when the U.S. pushed for a transformation of U.S. global military strategy due in large part to the increasingly complex nature of threats, including those from non-state actors with no geographical definition.
Bruce Bennett, senior analyst at the Rand Corp., raised the possibility that the 28,500-strong U.S. Forces Korea (USFK), a centerpiece of the Seoul-Washington alliance, will undertake a role to deal with Chinese aggression, which could result in a reduction of their training for handling North Korean aggression.
This photo, taken March 20, 2024, shows a South Korea-U.S. river-crossing exercise in progress in Yeoncheon, 53 kilometers north of Seoul. (Yonhap)
"It seems likely that the administration will want USFK to participate in war plan formulation for dealing with Chinese aggression, and it will also want USFK training with other U.S. commands in East Asia on how they would respond to Chinese aggression," Bennett told Yonhap News Agency.
"Because USFK headquarters staff are already fully involved in planning to handle North Korean aggression, they will only be able to handle the addition of planning against China by reducing their role in the planning for North Korean aggression."
That said, South Korea would need to start taking more responsibility for defense against North Korean aggression, he said.
"Inevitably, that means that South Korea needs to increase its defense budget to provide greater capabilities to handle North Korea, especially if U.S. forces are initially committed to dealing with China in a future contingency," he said.
The Pentagon has already made an implicit call for South Korea and other Asian allies to move toward the "global standard" of spending 5 percent of their gross domestic product on defense -- a goal that Trump has put forward for European allies.
The talk of a shift in the alliance gained more traction when Under Secretary Colby took office in April.
Colby, a top Pentagon policymaker, has advocated for an adjustment of the USFK's role to focus more on threats from China rather than "being held hostage" to countering North Korean challenges during an interview with Yonhap News Agency last year.
He also stressed the need for South Korea to undertake "overwhelming" responsibility for its own defense, while saying that if the U.S. gets heavily involved in a war with North Korea, it would be a "perfect distraction" when America should prioritize countering Chinese threats.
His remarks have raised the possibility that Seoul and Washington could seek to accelerate efforts for the conditions-based transition of wartime operational control (OPCON) to South Korea. If realized, the transition would mark a major shift in the alliance structure.
During a Senate confirmation hearing in March, Colby threw his support behind efforts to bolster South Korea's role in the alliance with the U.S as he addressed a question over the OPCON handover.
Seoul and Washington have been working on meeting a wide range of conditions needed for the OPCON transition. Conditions include South Korea's capabilities to lead combined forces, its strike and air defense capabilities, and a regional security environment conducive to such a handover.
South Korea handed over operational control of its troops to the U.S.-led U.N. Command during the 1950-53 Korean War. It was then transferred to the two allies' Combined Forces Command when the command was launched in 1978. Wartime operational control still remains in U.S. hands, while South Korea retook peacetime OPCON in 1994.
Elbridge Colby, currently the under secretary of defense for policy in the Donald Trump administration, speaks during an interview with Yonhap News Agency at his office in Washington on May 6, 2024. (Yonhap)
sshluck@yna.co.kr
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en.yna.co.kr · by Song Sang-ho · June 22, 2025
2. Top U.S. Marine in S. Korea stresses commitment to 'time-tested' alliance 75 years after war
(Korean War) Top U.S. Marine in S. Korea stresses commitment to 'time-tested' alliance 75 years after war | Yonhap News Agency
en.yna.co.kr · by Chae Yun-hwan · June 22, 2025
By Chae Yun-hwan
SEOUL, June 22 (Yonhap) -- The top U.S. Marine commander in South Korea has underscored her troops' commitment to the "time-tested" alliance between the two nations and readiness to support regional stability, as the allies face new security challenges 75 years after the 1950-53 Korean War.
Maj. Gen. Valerie Jackson, head of the U.S. Marine Corps Forces Korea (MARFORK), highlighted the allies' ties tracing back to the three-year conflict, which broke out with North Korea's invasion of South Korea on June 25, 1950, in a written interview with Yonhap News Agency on Wednesday.
"For the past 75 years, the U.S. Marine Corps has demonstrated its commitment to the time-tested bond that was created 75 years ago when the ROK, U.S. and international service members fought shoulder to shoulder," Jackson said. ROK is short for South Korea's official name -- the Republic of Korea.
Maj. Gen. Valerie Jackson, commander of the U.S. Marine Corps Forces Korea, speaks during her inauguration ceremony at Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek, about 60 kilometers south of Seoul, in this file photo provided by the U.S. Forces Korea on June 5, 2025. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
U.S. Marines played a key role during the Korean War, taking part in the amphibious landing of Incheon in September 1950 that led to a decisive victory for South Korea and U.S.-led U.N. troops.
Jackson, who took office earlier this month, oversees a force of about 100 personnel and facilitates regular training for U.S. Marines who are deployed from outside the country, including Japan.
South Korean and U.S. Marines stage large-scale amphibious landing exercises, among other drills, throughout the year to maintain readiness against North Korean threats.
"U.S. Marine Corps Forces Korea remains dedicated to our mission and ready to support the broader Indo-Pacific strategy," she said. "Our combined, joint, all-domain training footprint ensures readiness on the Korean Peninsula and provides flexibility to respond to regional operations."
Jackson said her troops are ready to support "regional stability," highlighting their role in the broader region.
"Since its establishment 30 years ago, MARFORK has adapted to become an important enabler of joint and combined exercises involving U.S. Marines," she said. "While our mission remains unchanged, we are ready to respond to any contingency and support regional stability."
As the allies mark the war's 75th anniversary this week, they face new tests over North Korea's evolving nuclear and missile threats and Washington's efforts to prioritize defense capabilities in the region to deal with an intensifying rivalry with Beijing.
U.S. Forces Korea Commander Gen. Xavier Brunson has recently described South Korea as a "fixed-aircraft carrier" in a region facing multiple security challenges, highlighting the strategic value of his 28,500-strong force in overcoming geographic constraints for regional operations.
A U.S. Marine Corps amphibious combat vehicle charges into the sea along the coast of Pohang, about 270 kilometers southeast of Seoul, during joint drills with South Korean Marines, in this file photo taken Aug. 25, 2024. (Yonhap)
Regarding possible adjustments to allied Marine drills if U.S. troops are needed elsewhere, Jackson said the decision would be made by consulting with South Korea.
"The number of personnel assigned to U.S. Marine Corps Forces Korea is scaled to meet mission requirements throughout the year," Jackson said. "Any future adjustments in scale would be made in close coordination with our allies and based on evolving strategic priorities across the region."
Jackson described her unit as a "learning" force, calling the recent introduction of drone capabilities into allied exercises, such as last year's Ssang Yong, or "twin dragon," exercise, as a sign of commitment to modernizing their forces.
As South Korea and the United States have recently pushed to develop the alliance born from the ashes of the Korean War, they have deepened trilateral security cooperation with Japan through joint fighter jet and warship drills.
When asked about the need to incorporate amphibious forces into such exercises, Jackson said the move would require agreement from all sides.
"Trilateral training across all domains plays a critical role in enhancing combined, joint and all-domain deterrence," she said. "Future amphibious collaboration would need to be mutually agreed upon by our allies and conducted in alignment with shared strategic priorities."
The Korean War ended in a truce, not a peace treaty, leaving the two Koreas technically still at war. Nearly 180,000 South Korean and U.N. Command troops were killed during the war, including 36,940 Americans.
Maj. Gen. Valerie Jackson, commander of the U.S. Marine Corps Forces Korea, speaks during a ceremony commemorating the Battle of Dosol Mountain during the 1950-53 Korean War on June 14, 2025, in Yanggu County, about 100 kilometers northeast of Seoul, in this photo provided by the U.S. Marine Corps. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
yunhwanchae@yna.co.kr
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en.yna.co.kr · by Chae Yun-hwan · June 22, 2025
3. New vice unification minister calls for restoration of inter-Korean dialogue channel
New vice unification minister calls for restoration of inter-Korean dialogue channel | Yonhap News Agency
en.yna.co.kr · by Lee Minji · June 21, 2025
SEOUL, June 21 (Yonhap) -- Vice Unification Minister Kim Nam-jung on Saturday called for a swift restoration of suspended dialogue channels with North Korea as he presided over a ministry meeting following his appointment, the ministry said.
"Please make efforts to resolve urgent matters one by one, such as the restoration of severed communication channels between the South and the North," Kim was quoted as saying in a meeting with senior ministry officials.
"In line with the president's state affairs stance, we should strive for a peaceful co-existence and a peace economy," he said.
The vice minister's remarks came as President Lee Jae Myung has vowed to quickly restore the suspended channels to ease military tensions and build peace between the two Koreas.
The North has remained unresponsive to South Korea's contact made twice a day via all inter-Korean liaison channels since April 2023.
Kim, a former standing representative for inter-Korean talks, was one of the five vice ministers appointed by Lee on Friday. He officially took office earlier in the day.
This photo, provided by the unification ministry, shows Kim Nam-jung, vice minister of unification. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
mlee@yna.co.kr
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en.yna.co.kr · by Lee Minji · June 21, 2025
4. U.S. official hopeful for DMZ excavation resumption amid prospects for inter-Korean thaw under Lee
Hopeful for a thaw.
(Korean War) U.S. official hopeful for DMZ excavation resumption amid prospects for inter-Korean thaw under Lee | Yonhap News Agency
en.yna.co.kr · by Song Sang-ho · June 22, 2025
By Song Sang-ho and Kim Dong-hyun
WASHINGTON, June 21 (Yonhap) -- A senior U.S. official has expressed his hope for the resumption of a suspended project to recover the remains of American troops killed in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) during the 1950-53 Korean War, as both Seoul and Washington pursue reengagement with North Korea.
In an interview with Yonhap News Agency on Friday, Kelly McKeague, the director of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA), struck a sanguine note on the prospects of the excavation work as South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has committed to enhancing cross-border ties, with President Donald Trump open to summitry with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.
Casting the humanitarian work as a "tool of reconciliation," McKeague also called for North Korea to grab the opportunity to engage in "constructive" dialogue, as he pointed out the emerging willingness from the South and the United States to restart diplomacy with the reclusive state.
"We think there might be an opportunity, given President Lee's initial overtures and what he's talked about ... that he might want to reestablish, reinstate that work along the DMZ," the head of the POW/MIA recovery agency said at his office in the U.S. capital. POW and MIA stand for prisoners of war and missing in action, respectively.
"To us, that has a great potential," he added.
Kelly McKeague, the director of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, speaks during an interview with Yonhap News Agency in Washington, D.C., on June 20, 2025. (Yonhap)
Cautious optimism for the recovery efforts arose amid expectations for a potential inter-Korean thaw, as the new Seoul government halted loudspeaker propaganda broadcasts against the North along the border this month -- a conciliatory move that Pyongyang reciprocated by stopping its own noise broadcasts against the South.
Lee is also expected to seek the restoration of the 2018 inter-Korean military tension reduction agreement, which was suspended amid the North's provocative moves, such as the sending of waste-filled balloons to the South, during the former Yoon Suk Yeol administration.
A joint project to recover the troop remains in the DMZ was part of the military agreement. But South Korea independently carried out the excavation work in Arrowhead Ridge and White Horse Ridge -- key battle sites during the war -- as the North refused to join amid an impasse in nuclear talks with the U.S.
In this undated file photo, provided by the defense ministry on May 14, 2020, a service member excavates the remains of a soldier killed in action at Arrowhead Ridge in the South Korean border town of Cheorwon inside the Demilitarized Zone bisecting South and North Korea. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
The DPAA director hopes to see the restart of the excavation work, particularly at "Hill 111," another battle site, where the remains of nine U.S. service members are thought to be. The DPAA sought to carry out the work at the site jointly with its South Korean counterpart, but that hope dissipated amid cross-border tensions.
"Just like there was in the Moon administration, there might be an overture made (by the Lee administration) along the DMZ," he anticipated, referring to the administration of former liberal President Moon Jae-in known for his drive for inter-Korean rapprochement.
The U.S. believes that the remains of around 5,300 American troops are still in North Korea -- a reason why the DPAA has been keen to create an opening for the resumption of the recovery work both north and south of the Military Demarcation Line (MDL) that separates the two Koreas.
With those service members still unaccounted for, the Korean War, often referred to as the "Forgotten War," is "far from forgotten," the director stressed.
"We look at this as a humanitarian endeavor. It should not be subject to geopolitical tensions. It should not be subject to the whims of politics or hostility," he said. "We've always looked at this as a tool of reconciliation."
Skepticism still lingers over whether Pyongyang would accede to any outreach at a time when it is increasingly reliant on Russia for food, fuel and other forms of support. But Trump's display of interest in dialogue with the North, coupled with Lee's conciliatory signals, has been fueling at least a modicum of optimism.
"I think (with) President Lee reaching out, President Trump potentially reaching out, (North Koreans) should look at this as an opportunity to engage in constructive dialogue as opposed to basically saying, 'No, I am not interested,'" he said.
He added that should they resume, the recovery efforts in the North would be a chance "to heal the wounds of the war, reconcile and begin again." The U.S. and the North had a joint excavation project from 1996-2005, a successful period of cooperation that he hopes to experience again.
This file photo, released by AFP, shows U.S. President Donald Trump (R) shaking hands with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un after signing a joint statement at the Capella Hotel on Sentosa Island in Singapore on June 12, 2018. (Yonhap)
Trump has repeatedly signaled openness to resuming his personal diplomacy with the North Korean leader, which led to three in-person summits between them during his first term, including the first-ever summit in Singapore in June 2018.
The Singapore summit yielded a landmark agreement that included the repatriation of the remains of U.S. troops that died during the war.
Under the deal, the North sent to the U.S. 55 boxes in August 2018, which McKeague said included the remains of 250 individuals. From the remains, the DPAA has so far identified 102 U.S. troops while repatriating the remains thought to be of some 90 South Korean troops.
The DPAA chief expected that Trump in his second term might show willingness to bring home the remains of more American troops should diplomacy with the North resume, although he is not aware of any recent overtures by the Trump administration.
"Whether it be the State Department, the Department of Defense or the White House, we are not aware of any overtures other than those initial public statements that said (Trump) was open to reengaging with Chairman Kim," he said.
He expressed confidence that if Trump begins summitry with the North, the troop recovery topic will be part of the agenda.
"We think the president is very much aware of how this can be a tool of diplomacy. So, we fully envision that any future discussion that he has with Chairman Kim -- or Secretary of State Rubio with somebody in the North Korean government -- we think this will be part of the discussion," he said.
"Because it would be foolish, on anybody's part, not for it to be simply because there's not a threat. If anything, it creates goodwill. It creates a perception in the rest of the world that North Korea is cooperating on something very humanitarian."
The official underscored the importance of the retrieval undertaking, noting that Vietnam's offer to help the U.S. recover its troop remains opened the way for the normalization of relations with the U.S. and its economic development following their bitterly fought war.
"Constructive dialogue with a viable tool of diplomacy, which is remains recovery, is at least a door opener," he said. "It may not open the door wide, but at least, it cracks it open to have that dialogue just like it was (in Singapore) in 2018."
McKeague has led the DPAA since September, 2017. In December 2015, he concluded his 34-year career in the U.S. Air Force, retiring at the rank of major general.
Kelly McKeague, the director of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, speaks during an interview with Yonhap News Agency in Washington, D.C., on June 20, 2025. (Yonhap)
sshluck@yna.co.kr
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en.yna.co.kr · by Song Sang-ho · June 22, 2025
5. Backed into a corner, Iran may unleash hackers, spies, sleeper cells and terror proxies worldwide
Backed into a corner, Iran may unleash hackers, spies, sleeper cells and terror proxies worldwide
Global DeskLast Updated: 22 June, 2025 05:45 AM +8 GMT
Read more at:
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/us/backed-into-a-corner-iran-may-unleash-hackers-spies-sleeper-cells-and-terror-proxies-worldwide/articleshow/121997888.cms?utm
Synopsis
Israel has launched multiple airstrikes against Iran, targeting nuclear sites and key Revolutionary Guard leaders. While Iran’s military strength is affected, the country’s ability to retaliate using cyberattacks, proxy groups and intelligence networks remains.
Israel has carried out a series of strikes on Iran in recent days. These attacks have destroyed parts of Iran’s nuclear program and weakened its military defense systems. Despite the losses, Iran is still able to respond using irregular warfare methods that have long been part of its strategy, a The Conversation report said.
Israeli Strikes Focus on Nuclear and Military Targets
Israel’s airstrikes have damaged two nuclear sites and destroyed several air defense systems. The attacks took place in different cities and reportedly killed 14 nuclear scientists and some top members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The strikes have also disrupted Iran’s missile and drone programs.
Impact on Iran’s Warfare Capabilities
The strikes have reduced Iran’s ability to use traditional military hardware. It may take time before Iran can return to previous levels of uranium enrichment. However, the country still maintains influence through other channels. Iran’s use of proxy groups, organized crime links, and cyberattacks could still be used for retaliation, the report added.
Forward Deterrence as a Strategic Tool
Iran’s military strategy, called “forward deterrence,” encourages striking threats outside the country’s borders. This idea dates back to the 1980s during the Iran-Iraq War. Groups like the Badr Corps were formed under this doctrine. Iran has since developed relationships with groups like Hezbollah and the Houthis to pursue regional goals.
Quds Force Remains Active
Israel reportedly struck a Quds Force command center in Tehran. It is unclear if its leader, Esmail Qaani, survived. Some of Iran’s partners like Hezbollah and Hamas have also suffered setbacks. However, Iran’s proxy network is still present across the region and can be activated when needed, the report further added.
Iran’s Global Reach
Iran has a history of targeting opponents abroad. These efforts have included kidnappings and assassinations using its Ministry of Intelligence and Quds Force operatives. Several incidents, including attempts in the US and Europe, show the reach of Iran’s network. These threats remain even if military strength has declined.
Cyberattacks as a Response Option
Iran has also focused on cyber warfare. Following recent Israeli strikes, a cybersecurity firm observed a sharp increase in malicious activity linked to Iran. These cyberattacks may involve disinformation, sabotage, or data theft. Iran is also using AI tools to spread propaganda and false media during conflicts.
Unconventional Threats Still a Concern
While Iran’s conventional military is weakened, its ability to conduct irregular warfare remains. The more Iran is attacked directly, the more likely it is to use these hidden methods. Its network of proxies and cyber operatives can respond without warning and pose long-term challenges for Israel and the US.
FAQs
What is Iran’s 'forward deterrence' strategy?
It is a policy where Iran targets threats outside its borders using proxy groups and cyber tools, aiming to prevent danger before it reaches Iranian territory.
How might Iran respond after Israeli attacks?
Iran could use cyberattacks, intelligence operatives, or proxy groups to target Israeli or US assets without direct military engagement.
6. New vice unification minister calls for restoration of inter-Korean dialogue channel
I hope the new vice minister has a clear understanding of the nature, objectives, and strategy of the Kim family regime.
New vice unification minister calls for restoration of inter-Korean dialogue channel | Yonhap News Agency
en.yna.co.kr · by Lee Minji · June 21, 2025
SEOUL, June 21 (Yonhap) -- Vice Unification Minister Kim Nam-jung on Saturday called for a swift restoration of suspended dialogue channels with North Korea as he presided over a ministry meeting following his appointment, the ministry said.
"Please make efforts to resolve urgent matters one by one, such as the restoration of severed communication channels between the South and the North," Kim was quoted as saying in a meeting with senior ministry officials.
"In line with the president's state affairs stance, we should strive for a peaceful co-existence and a peace economy," he said.
The vice minister's remarks came as President Lee Jae Myung has vowed to quickly restore the suspended channels to ease military tensions and build peace between the two Koreas.
The North has remained unresponsive to South Korea's contact made twice a day via all inter-Korean liaison channels since April 2023.
Kim, a former standing representative for inter-Korean talks, was one of the five vice ministers appointed by Lee on Friday. He officially took office earlier in the day.
This photo, provided by the unification ministry, shows Kim Nam-jung, vice minister of unification. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
mlee@yna.co.kr
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en.yna.co.kr · by Lee Minji · June 21, 2025
7. NSC to meet to discuss U.S. attack on Iran
If I were to advise my friend Wi Sung Lac I would recommend asking the question, how can South Korea and the ROK/US alliance exploit the attacks against Iran. While everyone will be fearful about this attack the NSC should be looking for positive actions and options to use the Iran operation to reinforce and enhance deterrence one the Korean peninsula.
This is arguably the most important contribution to deterrence that the US has made in many years.
There are two key concepts that the President and Secretary of Defense have been emphasizing since they came into office. First is "Peace through Strength." The second is to "restore deterrence." Both concepts require the military capability combined with the will to decisively use that military capability.
The NSA should advise President Lee to build on these concepts to create a South Korean contribution to the restoration of deterrence. There is an opportunity here for South Korea.
Assuming that these strikes eliminate the Iranian underground nuclear facilities (and despite the initial narrative I think it will take some time before we can get accurate BDA), this action will demonstrate a superior military capability. The decision to conduct the strike demonstrates the will to act decisively to protect US and allied interests.
The effect could be to keep the US military "sword in its sheath" for some time to come. This means that US deterrence has been restored. The implicit message to all US enemies, which includes north Korea, is that the US has the capability and will to act decisively.
The ideal outcome is that we can raise diplomatic action to the highest and priority level because it will rest on the strong foundation of military deterrence.
The president has demonstrated strength, but he did this to be able to focus on peace.
NSC to meet to discuss U.S. attack on Iran | Yonhap News Agency
en.yna.co.kr · by Lee Haye-ah · June 22, 2025
By Lee Haye-ah
SEOUL, June 22 (Yonhap) -- The presidential National Security Council has convened a meeting to discuss its response to the United States' attack on nuclear facilities in Iran, the presidential office said Sunday.
The meeting at noon will be led by National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac and discuss the impact of the attack on South Korea's security and economy, the office said in a notice to the press.
The attacks took place on three nuclear sites in Iran earlier in the day, marking an escalation of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran.
National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac briefs reporters on President Lee Jae Myung's impending visit to Canada to attend the Group of Seven (G7) summit at the presidential office in Seoul's Yongsan district on June 15, 2025. (Yonhap)
hague@yna.co.kr
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en.yna.co.kr · by Lee Haye-ah · June 22, 2025
8. S. Korea vows efforts to minimize impact of Middle East crisis following U.S. strikes in Iran
Minimize negative impact of course, but do not forget to maximize the opportunity provided.
(LEAD) S. Korea vows efforts to minimize impact of Middle East crisis following U.S. strikes in Iran | Yonhap News Agency
en.yna.co.kr · by Kim Eun-jung · June 22, 2025
(ATTN: CHANGES headline; UPDATES throughout with details)
By Kim Eun-jung and Lee Haye-ah
SEOUL, June 22 (Yonhap) -- The presidential National Security Council convened Sunday to discuss ways to minimize the impact of the Middle East crisis following the United States' strikes on nuclear facilities in Iran, the presidential office said.
National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac held the meeting with presidential aides on foreign affairs and security after the U.S. conducted precision strikes on three key nuclear facilities in Iran in an escalating conflict between Israel and Iran.
During the meeting, Wi stressed the importance of protecting the lives and safety of the Korean people and ensuring the stability of daily life, according to presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung.
"He urged close communication and cooperation among relevant ministries to minimize the impact of the recent series of developments in the Middle East on the Korean Peninsula's security and economic conditions," Kang said.
The presidential office said it will closely monitor the evolving situation and continue to lead follow-up discussions as necessary.
National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac briefs reporters on President Lee Jae Myung's impending visit to Canada to attend the Group of Seven (G7) summit at the presidential office in Seoul's Yongsan district on June 15, 2025. (Yonhap)
hague@yna.co.kr
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en.yna.co.kr · by Kim Eun-jung · June 22, 2025
9. Lee meets with leaders of ruling, opposition parties
(LEAD) Lee meets with leaders of ruling, opposition parties | Yonhap News Agency
en.yna.co.kr · by Lee Haye-ah · June 22, 2025
(ATTN: UPDATES with meeting taking place; CHANGES headline, photo)
By Lee Haye-ah
SEOUL, June 22 (Yonhap) -- President Lee Jae Myung met with leaders of the ruling Democratic Party (DP) and the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) on Sunday to discuss pending state affairs.
The luncheon meeting was held at the presidential residence and brought together Kim Byung-kee, acting leader and floor leader of the DP; Kim Yong-tae, the PPP's interim leader; and PPP floor leader Song Eon-seog.
Lee shared the results of his recent attendance at the Group of Seven summit in Canada and discussed overall state affairs without a fixed agenda.
Details of the conversations were not immediately disclosed, though it was expected they would touch on differences over the government's latest extra budget proposal and the confirmation of Prime Minister nominee Kim Min-seok.
The meeting came 18 days after Lee's inauguration, marking an early first meeting between the president and the opposition leader compared with past administrations.
Lee's office said it was a demonstration of his commitment to having frank discussions with the opposition party.
The outcome of the meeting is likely to serve as an indicator of future cooperation between the rival parties.
President Lee Jae Myung (2nd from R) poses with Kim Byung-kee (R), acting leader and floor leader of the DP; Kim Yong-tae (2nd from L), the PPP's interim leader; and PPP floor leader Song Eon-seog ahead of a luncheon meeting at the presidential residence in Seoul on June 22, 2025. (Yonhap)
hague@yna.co.kr
(END)
en.yna.co.kr · by Lee Haye-ah · June 22, 2025
10. Finance ministry to hold emergency meeting to discuss impact of U.S. attacks on Iran
Finance ministry to hold emergency meeting to discuss impact of U.S. attacks on Iran | Yonhap News Agency
en.yna.co.kr · by Kim Boram · June 22, 2025
SEOUL, June 22 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's finance ministry said Sunday it will hold an emergency meeting to assess the economic impact of U.S. strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities and the escalating conflict in the Middle East.
The meeting, set for 3:30 p.m., will be chaired by acting Finance Minister Lee Hyoung-il, according to the ministry.
Officials are expected to discuss the potential effects of the Iran-Israel conflict on the South Korean economy and explore measures to mitigate possible adverse outcomes.
Separately, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy also held a related meeting to examine the implications of the U.S. attacks on South Korea's trade, energy and supply chains.
South Korea relies entirely on energy imports, with the majority sourced from the Middle East.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Saturday (U.S. time) that American warplanes have bombed Iran's three key nuclear facilities, marking a major escalation in the ongoing war between Iran and Israel.
U.S. President Donald Trump (2nd from L) delivers an address to the nation at the White House in Washington, D.C., on June 21, 2025, following U.S. strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities, in this EPA photo. (Yonhap)
brk@yna.co.kr
(END)
en.yna.co.kr · by Kim Boram · June 22, 2025
11. China’s Role in a Future Korean War
We have known this for a long time:
T his article underscores the critical need for strategic planning and diplomatic engagement to manage potential military conflicts on the Korean Peninsula. Chinese intervention in a future conflict remains likely, even during downturns in China–North Korea relations. Strengthening US alliances and capabilities, while also engaging with Beijing to reduce perceived security risks, will prove vital to preventing great-power war on the Korean Peninsula.
Download the article here: https://press.armywarcollege.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=3343&context=parameters
https://press.armywarcollege.edu/parameters/vol55/iss2/4/
Authors
Jake Rinaldi
Abstract
This article argues that China’s intervention in a Korean conflict will hinge more on North Korea’s ability to hold territory than on bilateral ties. Rather than treat Chinese intervention as a yes-or-no proposition, this study models three scenarios—full intervention, sustained support, and limited support—based on North Korean resilience. Using Chinese-language sources and scenario-based analysis, it assesses how each model would shape key functional areas such as ISR, cyber, materiel, and force posture. The findings offer US defense planners a framework for anticipating variable People’s Liberation Army involvement in a future Korea contingency.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
10.55540/0031-1723.3343
Recommended Citation
Jake Rinaldi, "China’s Role in a Future Korean War," Parameters 55, no. 2 (2025), doi:10.55540/0031-1723.3343.
12. S. Korea voices hope for swift easing of tensions following U.S. attack on Iran
That would mean the ball is in Iran's court.
S. Korea voices hope for swift easing of tensions following U.S. attack on Iran | Yonhap News Agency
en.yna.co.kr · by Lee Haye-ah · June 22, 2025
SEOUL, June 22 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's foreign ministry said Sunday it hopes for the swift easing of regional tensions in the wake of the United States' attack on nuclear sites in Iran.
In a message released after the attack, the ministry said the government is closely monitoring developments and will continue to join international efforts toward the easing of tensions.
South Korea places importance on resolving Iran's nuclear issue from the standpoint of nuclear nonproliferation, it added.
A photo of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters in Seoul (Yonhap)
hague@yna.co.kr
(END)
en.yna.co.kr · by Lee Haye-ah · June 22, 2025
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
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