Instead of USFK withdrawal, is Korea's reliance growing?

North Korea's frequent short-range missile tests tend to be perceived as part of routine exercises.

This suggests that, when compared to the frequency of North Korea's short-range missile launches, it is difficult to unilaterally blame only North Korea.

A clear difference in threat perception between the U.S. and South Korea is evident. Unlike the U.S. statement of "not an immediate threat," North Korea's short-range missiles are within range to directly threaten Seoul and the metropolitan area. Therefore, caution is advised against prematurely interpreting the U.S. statement as a reduction in the North Korean threat.

Such a perception could repeat situations like the security vacuum immediately before the Korean War. We must remain vigilant, closely monitoring the advancement of North Korean projectiles and changes in their platforms.

If the differences in security threat perception between the U.S. and South Korea continue to accumulate, the reliability of the extended deterrence that the U.S. promised to provide to us could be fundamentally questioned. This would have a very negative impact on South Korean security. Therefore, South Korea must strengthen its independent defense capabilities to fill this security gap on its own.

The unilateral decision by the U.S. during the reduction of the Ulchi Freedom Shield (UFS) ROK-US joint exercise became an issue. Traditionally, within the ROK-US alliance structure, such exercise reductions require consultation between the presidents of both countries and a joint decision by defense authorities. However, there have been instances in the past where joint exercises were reduced by a mere phone call from the U.S. president. This disregarded the 80-year tradition of ROK-US consultation procedures and can be criticized as an infringement on South Korea's security sovereignty.

This demonstrates the U.S. concept of utilizing South Korean submarines in its strategy to counter China.

In the event of a war between China and the United States, the advanced level of anti-ship missiles possessed by China is expected to make it difficult for U.S. aircraft carriers to approach the Chinese coast. This reflects the reality that U.S. aircraft carriers would have to operate from far at sea, similar to the case of the Iran War. China possesses hypersonic weapon systems, such as the Dongfeng-21, capable of striking moving vessels.

In this scenario, the U.S. would handle outer defense, while South Korea and Japan would share in near-shore defense, establishing a defense network against China.

In particular, it is equipped with vertical launch tubes, possessing powerful capabilities to operate anti-ship cruise missiles and torpedoes simultaneously.

Some interpret this as an increase in the importance of the ROK-U.S. alliance, but this is a one-sided view of the issue. Rather, it is strongly indicative that the U.S. intends to use South Korea's coveted assets to achieve its own strategic goals. Therefore, South Korea must be wary that these moves could increase the risk of entanglement in unnecessary wars.

To prepare for the possibility of such 'entanglement' risks in the alliance, deep domestic discussions are needed, along with protests against the U.S. plan. It is crucial for South Korea to draw clear political and diplomatic lines, prioritizing our national interests.