▲ U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth speaks during the Reagan National Defense Forum at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California, on Dec. 6, 2025, in this photo released by Reuters. (Yonhap)

US-defense strategy

S. Korea capable of taking primary responsibility to deter N.K. with 'critical, but more limited' U.S. support: NDS

By Song Sang-ho

WASHINGTON, Jan. 23 (Yonhap) -- South Korea is capable of taking "primary" responsibility to deter North Korean threats with "critical, but more limited" U.S. support, a new U.S. national defense strategy showed Friday, an assessment in line with the Pentagon's calls for allies and partners to shoulder greater security burdens.

The Pentagon's National Defense Strategy also stressed that the "shift" in the balance of responsibility in the Seoul-Washington security alliance is consistent with America's interest in updating U.S. force posture in Korea, while noting the North poses a "direct military threat" to the Asian ally, with its nuclear forces presenting "clear and present" danger of a nuclear attack on American homeland.

"With its powerful military, supported by high defense spending, a robust defense industry, and mandatory conscription, South Korea is capable of taking primary responsibility for deterring North Korea with critical but more limited U.S. support," the document read.

"South Korea also has the will to do so, given that it faces a direct and clear threat from North Korea," it added.

It also said that the Pentagon will prioritize strengthening incentives for allies and partners to take primary responsibility for their own defense in Europe, the Middle East and on the Korean Peninsula, with "critical but limited support from U.S. forces."

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