Chun In-bum

In less than two months, the second Donald Trump administration is already reshaping America and the world. Economic tariffs, cryptocurrency regulations and diplomatic initiatives in the Middle East and Europe are putting both friends and foes off balance, creating uncertainty and, in some cases, fear. Koreans, both North and South, are watching these developments closely, assessing the potential impact of U.S. policies and contemplating how best to respond and prepare for a rapidly changing global order.

In South Korea, progressives are advocating for a more capable national military and a shift toward greater independence from the United States. Some even support a direct deal between North Korea and the U.S., potentially excluding South Korea from negotiations. While this may sound like a benign or even pragmatic approach, without the proper safeguards, it represents a highly risky course of action that could undermine national security.

The United States needs allies, but more importantly, it needs capable and reliable allies. South Korea's focus on cost-sharing in the alliance, while important, is missing the broader point. The U.S. does not merely seek financial contributions; it wants partners who are prepared to defend themselves and contribute meaningfully to regional stability. South Korea must first ask itself a fundamental question: Are we truly capable of defending ourselves? If not, we must work toward strengthening our military while maintaining our alliance with the United States.

The current 18-month mandatory military service period is insufficient to meet the operational requirements of modern warfare. Nearly half of the soldiers in combat units are discharged each year, and most units are consistently understrength. The notion that technological advancements in artificial intelligence, robotics and automation will fully compensate for this shortfall is unrealistic. While innovation can enhance efficiency, human personnel remain the backbone of any military force.

South Korea must extend its conscription period to at least 24 months. A well-trained, well-prepared standing force is a necessity, not a luxury. Additionally, the military should integrate more women into its ranks. Currently, women can only serve as officers or noncommissioned officers, but opening enlisted positions would expand the talent pool and alleviate manpower shortages. Other countries, including Norway and Israel, have successfully integrated women into their armed forces, proving that this approach is both viable and effective. A structured plan for recruitment, training and long-term career opportunities for female soldiers should be implemented.

Special attention must also be given to reserve forces and mobilization plans. South Korea's reserve system needs modernization to ensure that trained personnel can be rapidly mobilized and effectively reintegrated into active duty when required. More frequent training cycles and better equipment allocations for reserve units would enhance readiness and combat effectiveness.

Modern warfare requires extensive training in a variety of combat scenarios, particularly live-fire exercises and nighttime operations. However, the existing training infrastructure in South Korea is inadequate. Due to urbanization and civilian resistance, many training areas are too limited or outdated to accommodate the full range of necessary exercises. South Korea must invest in more dedicated military training facilities, especially for live-fire drills and combined operations with U.S. forces. This requires close collaboration with local governments and communities to mitigate concerns about noise, environmental impact and land use. Compensation programs, public engagement efforts and stricter safety regulations could help address civilian objections.

Furthermore, South Korea should explore the possibility of conducting joint training abroad with allied nations. Japan, Australia and other regional partners could provide additional training grounds that would not only enhance operational readiness but also strengthen international military cooperation.

South Korea's security cannot be considered in isolation. It must work closely with other nations invested in the stability of Northeast Asia. The United Nations Command plays a crucial role in maintaining peace on the Korean Peninsula, and its contributing nations should be recognized for their ongoing support. Most critically, South Korea must deepen its security cooperation with Japan. Although historical disputes have long complicated military relations, the strategic reality is clear: Korea and Japan are inseparably linked. In the event of a contingency on the Korean Peninsula, Japan serves as a vital logistical and supply hub. Conversely, South Korea is a crucial outpost for Japan's security.

Trilateral cooperation between South Korea, the U.S., and Japan must be reinforced, including intelligence sharing, joint military exercises and interoperability enhancements. Security agreements such as the General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) should be maintained and expanded. A pragmatic approach to diplomatic relations with Japan, focusing on shared security interests rather than historical grievances, will ultimately benefit both nations.

The United States has provided security for the Korean Peninsula for the past 75 years. In return, South Korea has proven itself a reliable ally. The Republic of Korea deployed troops to Vietnam for over seven years, suffering 25,000 casualties. Since then, South Korean forces have stood alongside U.S. troops in every major conflict, from the Gulf War to Afghanistan and Iraq. This history of commitment underscores the strength of the alliance.

However, alliances are not static; they require constant adaptation. As the U.S. shifts its global priorities, South Korea must step up and demonstrate its ability to defend itself while remaining a dependable partner. This means not only contributing financially but also improving its military capability, strategic posture and regional cooperation efforts.

South Korea stands at a crossroads. The changing geopolitical landscape, coupled with shifting U.S. priorities, requires a recalibration of its defense strategy. The goal is not to reduce dependence on the U.S. but to evolve into a more capable and proactive ally. By extending military service, expanding training infrastructure and strengthening regional alliances, South Korea can enhance its self-defense capabilities while maintaining a robust partnership with the United States. Now is the time for decisive action. South Korea must make the necessary reforms to ensure that its military remains strong, its alliances remain firm and its people remain secure. Only by doing so can it navigate the uncertainties of the future and uphold its role as a key pillar of stability in Northeast Asia.

Chun In-bum (truechun@naver.com) served as a lieutenant general in the ROK Army and was commander of Special Forces Korea.