SEOUL: National Security Adviser Shin Won-sik declared that South Korea is no longer simply a “one-sided beneficiary” in its alliance with the United States. Speaking at the 2024 Global Dialogue on Korean Peninsula Unification, an event co-hosted by the National Unification Advisory Council and Yonhap News Agency, Shin emphasized South Korea’s commitment to working with the incoming U.S. administration for the denuclearization of North Korea.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Shin highlighted South Korea’s evolving role as a partner capable of contributing to regional and global security. “As a partner with capabilities to contribute to regional and global security and prosperity, South Korea will continue to protect its core interests,” Shin stated during his keynote address at the event held at the JW Marriott Dongdaemun Hotel in Seoul.
Shin further outlined South Korea’s intention to maintain a robust security posture by closely coordinating with the new U.S. administration under Donald Trump. This collab
oration aims to counter North Korea’s nuclear threats through an integrated nuclear deterrence system. “The government will establish a close cooperation framework with the next U.S. administration to firmly safeguard freedom and peace in South Korea, and we will uphold the goal of complete denuclearization of North Korea,” he affirmed.
The adviser also criticized North Korea’s increasing military ties with Russia, specifically through a “comprehensive strategic partnership” treaty, which he labeled as Pyongyang’s “worst gamble.” According to North Korean state media, the treaty signed by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un includes a mutual assistance clause for military support if either nation is attacked.
Shin cautioned against the potential security risks associated with North Korea receiving sensitive military technologies from Russia in exchange for deploying troops in support of the war in Ukraine. He warned that such developments would not only bolster North Korea’s military capabilities but also provi
de its troops with modern combat experience. “The war between Russia and Ukraine is not a distant conflict but a critical issue for South Korea,” Shin concluded.