North Korea’s Threat Sparks Major Defense Move: U.S.-South Korea Revise Strategy After 10 Years!

South Korean Defense Minister Suh Wook and U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin attend the 55th Korea-U.S. Security Consultative Meeting (SCM) at the Ministry of National Defense in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, on the 13th. ⓒJoint Press Corps

In response to the heightened nuclear and missile threat from North Korea, South Korea and the U.S. have revised the ‘Tailored Deterrence Strategy’ (TDS) for the first time in 10 years.

South Korean Defense Minister Suh Wook and U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin signed the revised TDS at the 55th SCM held in Seoul on the 13th.

The TDS is a strategic document between the defense ministers of South Korea and the U.S., established in October 2013 to deter North Korean nuclear and weapons of mass destruction (WMD) threats.

However, with North Korea’s nuclear and missile capabilities strengthening, the need for a revision of the TDS became more pressing, and the revision was finalized after about a year of discussions. The military authorities of both countries had previously agreed at last year’s SCM to revise the TDS before this year’s SCM.

However, the details of the TDS are classified as military secrets and are not disclosed. Given that the two countries’ leaders agreed on ‘Extended Deterrence’ through the ‘Washington Declaration’ in April, the plan is expected to focus on close coordination between South Korea and the U.S. from the planning stage.

Indeed, the newly established Nuclear Consultation Group (NCG), as per the Washington Declaration, discussed plans for joint planning and implementation related to South Korea’s conventional force support during U.S. nuclear operations at its first meeting in July.

South Korean Defense Minister Suh Wook and U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin are taking a commemorative photo with attendees at the 55th SCM at the Ministry of National Defense in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, on the 13th. ⓒJoint Press Corps

In relation to this SCM, both countries held a chairperson event at the Ministry of National Defense around 9 a.m., followed by a closed-door high-level meeting starting at 9:30 a.m. An expanded meeting was then held from 12:15 p.m.

Minister Suh, in his all-remarks at the expanded meeting, said, “On the 70th anniversary of the Korea-U.S. alliance, we have dramatically strengthened our extended deterrence execution power against the escalating (North Korean) threat through the ‘Washington Declaration’ and the launch of the NCG,” and “We have established a solid foundation to strengthen Korea-U.S.-Japan security cooperation through Camp David cooperation.”

Minister Suh stated, “For the first time in 40 years, the U.S. strategic nuclear submarine (SSBN) Kentucky visited Korea, and U.S. combat troops participated in the Armed Forces Day parade,” and “The U.S. (strategic bomber) B-52H landed in Korea for the first time, allowing our people to feel the solid stature of the Korea-U.S. alliance. Both countries will overcome difficulties in the name of the Korea-U.S. alliance.”

Secretary Austin said, “Our alliance is stronger than ever,” and “We are in a ‘Fight Tonight’ posture. Our extended deterrence strategy for Korea is rock solid.”

Secretary Austin stated, “We are ready to closely cooperate with countries that share our values, including Japan, Southeast Asia, and Pacific Island countries, more than ever,” “Increased cooperation in the region will strengthen the alliance.”

While South Korea has highlighted alliance cooperation in response to the North Korean threat, the U.S. has focused on extended deterrence for Korea and expanding the alliance’s role.