South Korean President Lee Jae Myung pledges stronger military self-reliance and record defence budget increase, as he addresses Armed Forces Day [Image by Azernews]
(The Post News) – South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said on Wednesday that the country’s defence spending in 2026 would rise 8.2% to 66.3 trillion won ($47.1 billion), with a focus on greater self-sufficiency amid global uncertainty and regional tension.
Speaking at a ceremony to mark Armed Forces Day, Lee underscored that peace on the Korean Peninsula can only be secured by forging a stronger basis for military strength.
“Momentum around the world towards cooperation and prosperity is lost, and we are entering an age of more conflict, and it’s every man for himself,” Lee said. “For peace and prosperity of the Republic of Korea, we should not depend on others but establish the strength of our own.”
Focus on Advanced Technology and the Defence Industry
Lee promised the “substantial” increase in the budget will serve to fund cutting-edge military technology, such as autonomous drones, AI-controlled combat robots, and precision-guided missiles. He promised to develop the domestic defence industry and better the welfare of soldiers through improved pay and conditions of service.
Without criticizing North Korea outright, Lee went on to say that the South Korean defence spending is already at 1.4 times larger than the North Korean economy’s total GDP. The statement underscored Seoul’s determination to maintain the line of clear deterrence without increased rhetoric.
Lee, a liberal president who was inaugurated last month after the government of former president Yoon Suk Yeol collapsed, used the moment to call for the re-establishment of trust in the military. Yoon collapsed after a request for martial law under which soldiers were deployed to parliament.
“The honour of the military has gone into an infinite decline,” Lee said. “An army that is meant to protect the people should never again point its guns at them.”.
The announcement comes as there is increasing scepticism about the reliability of the U.S.-South Korea security pact under the “America First” policy of former President Donald Trump. Trump previously demanded South Korea pay a greater share to host U.S. troops, expressing fears of a reduction in the American military presence.
Lee, nevertheless, called the alliance “solid” but emphasized that South Korea must be willing and able to defend itself independently.
We must move toward a strong, autonomous defence based on our pride and confidence in our military power,” he said.
Currently, about 28,500 U.S. troops are stationed in South Korea under a mutual defence treaty and the U.S. “nuclear umbrella,” promising retaliation against a North Korean nuclear attack.
Wartime Operational Control (OPCON) Transfer
Another major issue is the wartime OPCON transfer of allied forces from an American general to a Korean commander scheduled. Lee reaffirmed his willingness to regain sovereignty over the military command with a guarantee of a “firm ROK-U.S. alliance.”
The Republic of Korea will lead a combined defence posture with Washington by taking back operational control,” Lee added. “Strong combined defence capability will guarantee peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in the region.”.
South Korea’s increase in defence spending is Seoul’s strategic move toward self-defence, aligning security needs with its alliance with the United States. As tension in the region is increasing, new investment in military technology and perpetual provocation from North Korea, Lee’s administration reflects a continued effort to make South Korea’s defence more autonomous and secure.
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