Trump-Kim deal at South Korea's expense?

The recent visit from President Donald Trump to South Korea has drawn criticism from Washington and praise from Seoul. The U.S. President ordered a significant reduction in joint military drills between the two countries, citing excessive costs and a hostile signal to North Korea. Trump also expressed his admiration for North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and expressed his desire to meet with him this year.

South Korea's response to Trump's decision was surprising. President Lee Jae Myung praised the U.S. leader's efforts for peace on the Korean Peninsula and expressed his respect. However, South Korea's stance on defense and security has been a subject of contention. Days before the U.S. President's visit, Lee had emphasized the importance of self-reliant defense and South Korea's world-class military and defense industry. He also vowed to regain wartime operational control within his term.

North Korea, however, has seized on the contradictions raised by Trump's visit. North Korean leader Kim Yo-jong, sister of the North Korean leader, mocked South Korea's claim of having ample capacity to defend itself while simultaneously scaling back joint military exercises at Trump's behest. She also criticized South Korea's attempt to alter the Northeast Asian balance of power.