트럼프 “한미연합훈련 축소”…김정은 카드로 이란전 탈출 시도하나

President Donald Trump has emphasized a "good relationship" with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un while ordering a massive reduction in joint US-ROK military drills, according to sources. As the US-Iran war drags on, observers speculate whether Trump is shifting diplomatic focus to North Korea to find a new opening. On May 16, Trump posted on Truth Social, "Considering my very good relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un," requesting Defense Secretary Pavol Hagey to "drastically reduce" the joint exercises.

Trump argues that the drills are "inappropriate and adversarial signals" to a North Korea that previously appeared non-threatening and respectful during his presidency. This directive follows a string of recent messages toward North Korea, after Trump expressed his desire to re-engage with the country at the G7 leaders' summit in June.

Trump previously announced the suspension of joint drills right after the 2018 Singapore summit with Kim. According to the CSIS Korea Desk, if Kim Jong-un adopts a strategy different from conventional expectations, it could prompt a meeting between Trump and Jong-un, covering topics like a peace treaty, ending hostility, and suspending joint exercises.

This move intersects with the ongoing US-Iran war and the President's struggles to find a clear solution amidst the November midterm elections. In Trump's announcement, he also asked President Yoon Suk-yeol about Iran's nuclear disarmament willingness, but received a "no" in response. The Financial Times connects this to a "somewhat related matter" in the US-ROK drills, potentially heightening tensions in US-North Korea relations.

However, the extent to which "Kim Jong-un's favor" could lead to actual US-North Korean negotiations remains uncertain. North Korea has continued launching ballistic missiles and has criticized the joint exercises as "invading war drills." The outcome of this maneuver will depend on North Korea's reaction.