SEOUL, South Korea — South Korea is exploring the possibility of scaling back joint military exercises with the United States, according to officials from the South Korean Unification Ministry. The move comes as President Lee Jae Myung’s administration seeks ways to reopen dialogue with North Korea and ease rising tensions on the Korean Peninsula.

At a press briefing on Monday, Unification Ministry spokesman Yoon Min-ho stated that adjustments to the annual U.S.-South Korea drills could be considered under specific circumstances. “I believe these issues can be discussed in the future, as conditions and circumstances allow,” Yoon said, responding to questions about potential reductions in the allied exercises.

South Korea’s Strategic Considerations

President Lee has indicated that Seoul is prepared to help Washington create strategic leverage for renewed negotiations with Pyongyang, including the option of downsizing joint military drills. North Korea has repeatedly criticized these exercises as rehearsals for invasion, making them a sensitive topic in inter-Korean relations.

“We will do our best to create objective conditions so that we can communicate and cooperate at any time,” Lee remarked during a press conference with foreign media. “The issue of the joint South Korea-U.S. military exercises is one of them.”

Unification Minister Chung Dong-young added that reducing the scale of these drills could become “inevitable” if a U.S.-North Korea summit is to be successfully held in the first half of next year.

Historical Context of Drill Adjustments

South Korea and the United States have previously scaled back or suspended major exercises during periods of inter-Korean detente, including in 2018 and 2019. During these times, large field maneuvers were often replaced with command-post exercises to maintain readiness while easing tensions.

However, the current administration has sent mixed signals regarding the plan. National security adviser Wi Sung-lac clarified that downsizing joint drills is not actively under consideration at the moment. “While there are many possible options, we are not directly considering using the Korea-U.S. joint exercises as a card,” Wi said.

Geopolitical Significance of the Drills

Although adjustments are not currently confirmed, Yoon emphasized that the South Korea-U.S. joint military exercises carry implications beyond military readiness. They play a key role in inter-Korean relations, regional security, and the overall stability of the Korean Peninsula.

Since President Lee took office in June, Seoul has undertaken several conciliatory measures toward North Korea, including dismantling border loudspeakers and tightening restrictions on activist balloon launches. Despite these efforts, North Korea continues to advance its nuclear and missile programs while strengthening military cooperation with Russia.