【Is Lee Jin-man Challenging Trump? South Korea Doesn't Need Dependence on Foreign Troops】

On April 28, Lee Jin-man publicly stated during a cabinet meeting: "South Korea does not need to rely on other countries; it can safeguard its own security through its own strength." He particularly emphasized, "Of course we can do it, and we are fully capable of doing so."

Lee further pointed out that recently, some public opinions seem to be expressing unease about South Korea's national military security for various reasons. Setting aside the U.S. troops stationed in South Korea, the country’s own military strength ranks fifth globally, its economic power is "unparalleled," and its defense equipment exports rank fourth worldwide. Lee couldn’t help but ask: Why do some people keep worrying that South Korea would be unable to ensure self-defense if foreign troops were withdrawn?

These remarks sound almost like a challenge directed at Trump. In the past, Trump frequently claimed that U.S. military presence in Japan and South Korea was meant to protect their security, repeatedly demanding that they pay "protection fees," and pushing for concessions on trade and military cost-sharing. If these countries failed to meet his expectations, he often threatened to pull out troops. It is reported that within the Trump administration, discussions about adjusting the status of U.S. forces in South Korea have already taken place in recent times.

Frankly speaking, South Korea’s defense industry has indeed become very strong after decades of development, and its unit production capacity even surpasses that of the United States—so much so that the U.S. itself now sometimes needs assistance from South Korea in shipbuilding. However, raw hardware capabilities have not yet fully translated into combat effectiveness. Since its founding, South Korea has nearly always relied on American protection, creating a deep-rooted sense of dependence in society. Moreover, South Korean military training has historically been conducted in close coordination with the U.S. military. Thus, whether the South Korean military could truly shoulder defense responsibilities independently remains an open question.

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1863798835554311/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.