South Korea hopes for talks between US and North Korea after Trump downsizes military drills

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) -- South Korea voiced optimism on Monday for renewed diplomacy between the U.S. and North Korea to reduce tensions on the Korean Peninsula as U.S. President Donald Trump directed a reduction in military exercises with South Korea. Trump's decision was reportedly motivated by his positive rapport with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, who views U.S.-South Korean drills as rehearsals for invasion.

However, experts suggest Kim, bolstered by his nuclear arsenal and growing military ties with Russia, is unlikely to re-enter talks without assurances of significant U.S. concessions. The 11-day Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises commenced on Monday as planned, with the extent of the reductions remaining unclear. Many in South Korea, a crucial U.S. ally in Asia, expressed confusion over the move, as national security is a top priority due to threats from the nuclear-armed North Korea.

Trump's statement led to bewilderment among South Koreans, whose national security is paramount given the North Korean threat. Trump ordered Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to significantly scale back the drills, adding that he had recently inquired with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung about joining the U.S. in denuclearizing Iran, to which they responded, "No thanks!"

Trump's actions represent another instance of a U.S. leader turning away from an ally in favor of a long-held adversary. The relationship between Trump and North Korea has also strained the trust of many South Koreans, who have grown disillusioned with Trump's administration due to its transactional approach to security and ongoing tariff war.

South Korea and the U.S. are presently discussing practical and military contributions to restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, known for his liberal stance, has taken proactive steps to improve relations with North Korea, including shutting down loudspeakers that broadcast K-pop music and world news.

Recently, he even offered to hold talks to formally end the 1950-53 Korean War, which concluded with an armistice, not a peace treaty. Opposition parties have criticized Lee for allegedly neglecting public security concerns and prioritizing diplomatic hopes over South Korea's safety. North Korea has ignored all attempts at dialogue with South Korea and the U.S. and has accelerated its weapons testing since Kim's high-stakes nuclear talks with Trump ended in 2019.

Kim has also strengthened his diplomatic standing by aligning with Russia over its war against Ukraine and deepening cooperation with China. In September 2025, Kim indicated he might resume talks with Trump if the U.S. ceased its obsession with North Korea's denuclearization. Experts believe Kim likely seeks significant concessions, such as extensive sanctions relief.

Trump's recent posts about Kim suggest a willingness to re-engage, but North Korea is profiting from Russia's conflict with Ukraine while simultaneously upgrading its military capabilities, according to Leif-Eric Easley, a professor at Ewha University in Seoul. Reducing the U.S.-South Korean drills could undermine alliance coordination, slow South Korea's responsibility for its own defense, and weaken deterrence against potential conflicts in Asia, Easley stated.