Korea Digest No. 39 August 2026

Korea Digest No. 39 September 2026

Contents

1. Freedom Edge 2026: South Korea Reinforces Trilateral Security Cooperation Amid North Korean Tensions
2. Lee Jae Myung Pushes for a Korean Peninsula Peace Regime Through Dialogue and Deterrence
3. South Korea Expands Defense Partnerships Across Asia and Europe
4. South Korea Weighs Hormuz Contribution Amid U.S. Pressure and Regional Instability
5. South Korea and France Deepen Strategic Cooperation Beyond Traditional Diplomacy
6. South Korea and U.S. Reinforce Deterrence Amid Rising DMZ Tensions
7. South Korea Pushes to Accelerate Wartime OPCON Transition
8. Lee Uses UN Platform to Advance Korean Peninsula Peace and Multilateral Diplomacy
9. South Korea Broadens Global Defense Engagement Through Multinational Partnerships
10. Lee Strengthens South Korea–Mexico Strategic and Economic Partnership

Prepared by

Gourilakshmi S, Project Fellow, Korea Centre

1.Freedom Edge 2026: South Korea Reinforces Trilateral Security Cooperation Amid North Korean Tensions

South Korea, the United States and Japan conducted the fourth Freedom Edge trilateral military exercise from September 7–11, despite North Korea’s renewed criticism of the drills as hostile and destabilising. Seoul maintained that the exercise would proceed as scheduled, describing it as a defensive measure aimed at countering North Korean nuclear and missile threats and strengthening regional stability. The multidomain exercise focused on maritime, air and cyber operations, with six Aegis-equipped destroyers, maritime patrol aircraft, fighter jets and refuelling aircraft participating. Enhanced real-time information sharing, air-defence coordination, maritime interdiction, cyber defence and medical training were among its key components.

The exercise took place shortly after the United States scaled back the Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise with South Korea, following President Donald Trump’s order to reduce the drills, reportedly amid efforts to create conditions for renewed engagement with Pyongyang. Nevertheless, Washington, Seoul and Tokyo proceeded with Freedom Edge, signalling continued commitment to trilateral security cooperation. The drills also coincided with North Korea’s commissioning of the Kang Kon destroyer and renewed pledges by Kim Jong-un to strengthen the country’s nuclear capabilities.

The continuation of Freedom Edge was reinforced at the Seoul Defense Dialogue, where South Korean and Japanese defense officials reaffirmed that trilateral cooperation with the United States remains important for maintaining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and across the Indo-Pacific. Seoul also pursued expanded defense cooperation with Finland, Malaysia and Singapore, particularly in defense technology and arms manufacturing.

From right, Rear Adm. Kim Ji-hoon of South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) director of exercises and training, poses with Lt. Gen. Stephen Jost, commander of the U.S. Forces Japan (USFJ), and Vice Adm. Yoshiyasu Ishimaki, director general of the Operations Department for the Japan Joint Staff, during the launch ceremony for the 2026 Freedom Edge trilateral exercise, at the USFJ Command in Yokota Air Base near Tokyo, Monday. Courtesy of Joint Chiefs of Staff

2.Lee Jae Myung Pushes for a Korean Peninsula Peace Regime Through Dialogue and Deterrence

President Lee Jae Myung reaffirmed Seoul’s commitment to replacing the Korean War armistice with a permanent peace regime on the Korean Peninsula. Speaking on September 2, Lee argued that the existing armistice, which has kept the two Koreas technically at war since 1953, should eventually be replaced by a framework based on cooperation, coexistence and shared prosperity. He also called for the resumption of North Korea–U.S. dialogue, stating that Seoul should help create conditions for constructive negotiations between Washington and Pyongyang.

Lee reiterated his three-point approach to peaceful coexistence, inclusiveness, stability and responsibility, and stressed that inter-Korean relations should be based on mutual respect rather than attempts to impose political or ideological uniformity. He later reinforced this position at the Seoul Defense Dialogue, emphasising that dialogue must be supported by “firm deterrence” and South Korea’s independent defense capabilities.Lee also highlighted emerging security challenges, including the weakening of the global nuclear nonproliferation regime and the security implications of rapidly developing technologies such as artificial intelligence. He called for a broader model of international security cooperation based on strong deterrence, international norms and shared resilience.

3.South Korea Expands Defense Partnerships Across Asia and Europe

South Korea stepped up defense diplomacy in September by pursuing deeper military and arms cooperation with partners in Southeast Asia and Europe. On the sidelines of the Seoul Defense Dialogue, Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back met with Philippine Defense Minister Gilberto Teodoro to discuss expanding bilateral defense cooperation, including personnel exchanges, joint exercises and arms procurement. Ahn highlighted the capabilities of South Korean weapons systems and sought Philippine support for Korean defense companies participating in the modernization of the Philippine military. The two sides also reaffirmed their commitment to implementing agreements reached during their leaders’ March summit.

Seoul also sought to strengthen defense ties with the Czech Republic, with both sides discussing cooperation in defense, security and nuclear energy. Czech Defense Minister Jaromir Zuna expressed interest in expanding bilateral defense exchanges, while Ahn emphasised the potential for complementary cooperation based on the two countries’ respective strengths. During the same period, Ahn held defense discussions with officials from Papua New Guinea and Uganda, including cooperation in military training and other defense-related areas.

These engagements form part of Seoul’s wider effort to diversify its defense partnerships and expand the international reach of its defense industry. The Philippines, Czech Republic and other partners provide opportunities for South Korean arms manufacturers while also strengthening Seoul’s broader security relationships.

4.South Korea Weighs Hormuz Contribution Amid U.S. Pressure and Regional Instability

South Korea spent September assessing whether and how it could contribute to international efforts to safeguard freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, amid the escalating Middle East conflict and pressure from the United States. Seoul dispatched a joint team of defense and foreign ministry officials to the United Arab Emirates to assess security conditions, military facilities, ports and logistical requirements around the waterway. The government, however, repeatedly stressed that the assessment did not represent a decision to deploy forces and rejected reports that Washington had imposed a November deadline for a Korean deployment.Several possible forms of contribution were reportedly considered, including the deployment of P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft for surveillance and reconnaissance and explosive ordnance disposal personnel for mine-clearing operations. Seoul ruled out, at least at this stage, options that would require a large-scale military presence. The issue was also expected to feature in discussions between Seoul and Washington during the Korea–U.S. Integrated Defense Dialogue (KIDD) in Busan, alongside issues such as wartime operational control and defense-industrial cooperation.

President Lee Jae Myung subsequently clarified that South Korea would not dispatch troops in a manner that could involve the country in an overseas conflict. At the same time, he stressed the need to protect Korean citizens, commercial vessels and the country’s energy supply routes, indicating that Seoul was considering limited forms of contribution rather than direct participation in hostilities. As disruptions to the Strait of Hormuz pushed global oil prices higher, the government also highlighted efforts to diversify crude imports and stabilise domestic energy prices.By late September, Seoul’s approach had also broadened into multilateral maritime diplomacy. At a meeting of the European and Indo-Pacific Partners (EIPP) in New York, South Korea joined Australia, France, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, Poland and the United Kingdom in declaring disruptions to major sea lanes, including the Strait of Hormuz and Bab-el-Mandeb, unacceptable and reaffirming the importance of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

5.South Korea and France Deepen Strategic Cooperation Beyond Traditional Diplomacy

President Lee Jae Myung’s four-day visit to France in September marked an important step in strengthening South Korea–France relations, particularly as the two countries celebrated the 140th anniversary of diplomatic ties. During his summit with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris, the two sides signed around a dozen memorandums of understanding and agreements covering artificial intelligence, nuclear energy, defense and culture. The visit also reciprocated Macron’s April visit to Seoul, indicating growing momentum in bilateral relations.

The expanding defense dimension of the relationship was demonstrated through joint South Korea–France air drills held from September 15–17 in Cheongju, the first such exercise between the two countries in three years. South Korea deployed F-35A stealth fighters and KC-330 aerial tankers, while France participated with Rafale fighters and an A-330 tanker as part of its wider Pegase mission. The exercise included aerial refueling, tactical flight operations and exchanges between pilots, strengthening interoperability between the two air forces.

The drills also carried a symbolic dimension. Korean F-35As and French Rafales conducted an aerial performance over a UN cemetery in Busan to commemorate French and other UN personnel who fought and died during the Korean War. French officials described the deployment as a step toward improving operational interoperability and assessing how French air and space capabilities could contribute to addressing regional security challenges.

 

6.South Korea and U.S. Reinforce Deterrence Amid Rising DMZ Tensions

South Korea and the United States strengthened their combined defense posture in September amid a rise in North Korean military activity along the inter-Korean border. South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Jin Yong-sung and U.S. Forces Korea Commander Gen. Xavier Brunson conducted a joint inspection of frontline units in the eastern DMZ, where North Korean troops had crossed the Military Demarcation Line on more than 20 occasions in August alone. The commanders emphasized vigilance, operational readiness and interoperability, reaffirming the alliance’s commitment to maintaining credible deterrence.

The allies also expanded cooperation against North Korea’s weapons of mass destruction (WMD) capabilities. Defense officials discussed practical measures to respond to potential nuclear, chemical and biological threats, as well as consequence-management capabilities following a possible WMD incident. The talks reflected growing concern over Pyongyang’s advancing nuclear and missile programs and the need to strengthen the alliance’s ability to respond to unconventional security threats.

Tensions along the DMZ intensified further following two explosions on September 21 that seriously injured South Korean soldiers. A joint investigation by the South Korean military and the United Nations Command subsequently determined that the mines had been planted by North Korean forces, describing the act as a violation of the Korean Armistice Agreement. The investigation also highlighted the continuing dangers associated with North Korea’s increased mine-laying and border fortification activities. North Korea rejected the findings, with Kim Yo-jong accusing Seoul of fabricating the results.

President Lee Jae Myung subsequently visited the wounded soldiers and pledged full support for their treatment, rehabilitation and compensation. His response combined concern for military personnel with an emphasis on maintaining morale and institutional readiness, even as his administration continues to advocate dialogue and peaceful coexistence with Pyongyang.

 

7.South Korea Pushes to Accelerate Wartime OPCON Transition

South Korea stepped up efforts in September to accelerate the transfer of wartime operational control (OPCON) from the United States, with the Lee Jae Myung administration seeking to complete the process before the end of its term in 2030. Defense Minister Kang Shin-chul emphasized that Seoul is pursuing the transition under a “no additional conditions” principle, while maintaining that the process should strengthen rather than weaken the South Korea–U.S. alliance. South Korea regained peacetime OPCON in 1994, while wartime control remains under the U.S.-led Combined Forces Command.

The OPCON transition has traditionally been based on conditions relating to South Korea’s ability to lead combined forces, its independent strike and air-defense capabilities, and the broader security environment on the Korean Peninsula. Seoul argues that its growing military capabilities make an accelerated transition feasible, while Washington has remained more cautious, stressing that political timelines should not override operational readiness. The two sides nevertheless pledged at the September Korea-U.S. Integrated Defense Dialogue (KIDD) to strengthen cooperation and accelerate implementation of the conditions-based transition plan.

A key objective for Seoul is to complete the Full Operational Capability (FOC) certification of the future Combined Forces Command and establish a target year for the transition. Kang also emphasized the importance of maintaining mutual trust within the alliance and developing independent Korean capabilities in both military hardware and operational command. His position links OPCON transition to broader efforts to strengthen South Korea’s defense autonomy, including proposals to integrate the country’s military academies to develop officers capable of leading future combined forces.  The issue remained central in subsequent high-level consultations between Kang and U.S. Ambassador Michelle Steel, alongside other alliance matters such as the relocation of Gwangju Air Base. Both sides stressed continued coordination and described the alliance as evolving toward a broader, future-oriented strategic partnership.

 

8.Lee Uses UN Platform to Advance Korean Peninsula Peace and Multilateral Diplomacy

President Lee Jae Myung’s participation in the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York in September provided an important platform for Seoul to advance its vision of peaceful coexistence on the Korean Peninsula and a more active role in multilateral diplomacy. Ahead of his address, Lee indicated that he would call for reforms to make the United Nations more effective in responding to emerging global challenges, while seeking international support for peace efforts on the Korean Peninsula.

In his keynote address, Lee proposed three principles for peaceful coexistence between the two Koreas: inclusive coexistence based on mutual respect, stable coexistence through restored communication and trust, and responsible coexistence that contributes to regional and global peace. He also called for the rapid resumption of U.S.–North Korea dialogue and expressed Seoul’s willingness to help create conditions for broader negotiations aimed at ending the Korean War and establishing a permanent peace regime.

Lee also presented the “K-Initiative,” extending South Korea’s diplomatic agenda beyond the Korean Peninsula to global issues including artificial intelligence, climate change and energy security. He proposed greater cooperation among “constructive contributors”—countries willing and capable of providing global public goods—to complement UN-centered multilateralism. His meeting with UN Secretary-General António Guterres further focused on Korean Peninsula issues and South Korea–UN cooperation.

On the nuclear issue, Lee advocated a phased approach involving first halting the advancement of North Korea’s nuclear and missile capabilities, followed by reductions and, ultimately, a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula. This approach was presented alongside his emphasis on dialogue and peaceful coexistence, reflecting Seoul’s attempt to combine diplomatic engagement with longer-term security objectives.

9.South Korea Broadens Global Defense Engagement Through Multinational Partnerships

South Korea continued to expand its international defense engagement in September through multinational exercises in the Indo-Pacific and deeper military-industrial cooperation with European partners. Korean Marines participated for the second consecutive year in the U.S.–Indonesia-led Super Garuda Shield exercise in Indonesia, alongside troops from 15 countries including Japan and Canada. The drills included jungle warfare, field training and cyber operations, providing South Korean forces with experience in multinational and non-traditional security environments.

The exercise reflects the transformation of Super Garuda Shield from a primarily bilateral U.S.–Indonesia activity into a broader multinational platform. Seoul’s participation strengthens its practical defense engagement with Southeast Asian partners while providing opportunities to improve interoperability with regional and extra-regional militaries. It also complements South Korea’s wider effort to increase its security role in the Indo-Pacific.

In Europe, South Korea deepened its military and defense-industrial partnership with Poland. Republic of Korea Army Chief of Staff Gen. Kim Kyu-ha held talks with senior Polish military officials on expanding cooperation in military innovation, unmanned systems, artificial intelligence, counter-drone capabilities and joint training. The two sides agreed to establish regular “army talks” to institutionalize high-level exchanges and strategic cooperation.

The discussions also focused on the long-term maintenance and operational sustainability of Korean defense systems already supplied to Poland. Cooperation in maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), education and training was highlighted alongside Poland’s interest in Korea’s digital battlefield and AI-enabled surveillance capabilities. This indicates that Seoul’s defense relationship with Poland is developing beyond arms sales toward a broader model of military and technological cooperation.

10.Lee Strengthens South Korea–Mexico Strategic and Economic Partnership

President Lee Jae Myung concluded his September state visit to Mexico as part of a broader two-nation diplomatic tour that also included the UN General Assembly in New York. His visit marked the first state visit to Mexico by a South Korean president in 16 years and focused on expanding bilateral economic relations while opening new areas of strategic cooperation.

During his summit with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, the two governments adopted a joint action plan aimed at strengthening trade and investment and expanding cooperation in areas including artificial intelligence, the defense industry and energy. Particular attention was given to critical mineral and supply-chain cooperation, reflecting South Korea’s efforts to secure stable access to strategic resources and diversify its economic partnerships.

Lee also sought stronger institutional support for Korean companies operating in Mexico and highlighted the importance of expanding business opportunities through investment and industrial cooperation. Mexico’s position as a major manufacturing and trade hub in North America gives it particular importance for Korean companies seeking to strengthen supply-chain resilience and access regional markets.

The Mexico visit followed Lee’s participation in the UN General Assembly, where he presented his vision for South Korea as a contributor to international peace and cooperation. His meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in New York also included discussions on North Korea and the possibility of renewed U.S.–North Korea dialogue, linking the economic diplomacy of his tour with his broader foreign-policy agenda.

President Lee Jae Myung, right, and first lady Kim Hea Kyung board Air Force One at Felipe Angeles International Airport in Mexico, Saturday (local time), to head home after his two-nation trip. Yonhap