Kuala lumpur: U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized that the United States is “not blind” to the threats posed by North Korea, highlighting the shared interests between Seoul and Washington regarding regional security challenges. Hegseth made these comments during a press availability at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Defense Ministers’ Meeting-Plus.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Hegseth was responding to a question about his upcoming visit to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between the two Koreas. When asked if he had a message for North Korea, he stated, “I won’t preview what that message will be specifically, and a lot of that is at President Trump’s level to determine.” He further noted that the U.S. is aware of the threat and reiterated President Donald Trump’s openness to dialogue with North Korea.
Hegseth acknowledged the longstanding alliance with South Korea and expressed anticipation for his first visit there. The trip aims to address shared interests concerning regional threats. He plans to visit the DMZ with South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back on Monday, marking the start of his two-day trip to Korea. The visit will be followed by participation in the annual defense ministerial talks, known as the Security Consultative Meeting.