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Seoul accused of sacrificing independence for American security

Thursday, 22 January 2026 4:31 AM [ Last Update: Thursday, 22 January 2026 4:31 AM ]

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung gazes at a model of B-2A bomber in the Oval Office during his meeting with US President Donald Trump on August 25, 2025. (Photo by White House)

South Korean civic leaders demand greater efforts toward peace on the Korean peninsula amid criticism the country is sacrificing its independence for American security.

The long standing policy of sanctions and military pressure has failed to improve relations and establish peace, instead perpetuating tensions.

If policy consultations between South Korea and the United States operate as a structure that effectively controls our policy decisions in the name of coordination, it will not strengthen the alliance, but rather weaken the foundation of sovereign policy making.

Yun Boknam, Lawyers for a Democratic Society

South Koreans demand end to joint US military drills and provocative policy against North Korea

South Koreans demand end to joint US military drills and provocative policy against North Korea

South Korean lawmakers, civil society leaders, and concerned members of the public have called for a shift in their country’s policy toward North Korea.

The Trump administration's so-called policy coordination has been widely interpreted to mean that while South Korea will need to continue to buy lots of American weapons, and pay more for the cost of US troops in Korea, it will also be tasked with joining Washington's efforts to contain China and deter North Korea on its own.

Experts assert that that's not the original purpose of the alliance.

The current US-South Korea alliance is largely used to check China rather than guard against North Korea, as it was before.

This is being made permanent in the name of Alliance modernization.

So the question arises, are the US forces in South Korea truly fulfilling their intended function?

Ham Jae-Gyu, Korea Confederation of Trade Unions

South Korea boosts military expenditure by 7.5% at US behest

South Korea boosts military expenditure by 7.5% at US behest

South Korea plans to increase its military spending by 7.5%—the highest increase in seven years—due to Trump

Peace advocates call for the springtime joint US-South Korea military drills, which North Korea views as a rehearsal for invasion, to be suspended.

President Lee Jae Myung comes from a line of progressive leaders who have enabled dialog, and, most significantly, summits, with North Korea's leaders.

But instead of following in those footsteps, he's prioritized South Korea's alliance with the US to the detriment of potential engagement with Pyongyang.

North Korea threatens ‘offensive action’ as US aircraft carrier arrives in South Korea

North Korea threatens ‘offensive action’ as US aircraft carrier arrives in South Korea

North Korea threatens to take “offensive action” as the US and South Korea hold talks on expanding military cooperation.

Activists now call for the reimplementation of a tension reducing agreement negotiated by former Liberal South Korean president, Moon Jae-in, and North Korean leader, Kim Jong-un, in 2018.

However, that seems a bit unrealistic, as South Korea this week deployed its new bunker busting missiles, fueling further tensions on the Korean Peninsula.