South Korean President Lee Jae-myung wants to shake up the country’s defense strategy. On Sunday, he promised bold reforms to create a high-tech, independent military that relies on brains over sheer numbers of soldiers. This move aims to shield South Korea from any threats, including potential invasions from North Korea.
Lee shared his thoughts on Facebook, easing worries about troop shortages due to the nation’s aging population. “Don’t just count heads when judging our defense strength,” he wrote. Instead, he envisions a “smart” force using artificial intelligence (AI) combat robots, autonomous drones, and precision missiles. “Just 50 people with this tech could handle tens of thousands of enemies,” Lee explained, pushing for a professional army powered by cutting-edge tools.
He compared South Korea’s setup to North Korea’s, pointing out the South’s 2.6 million ready reserves and its spot as the world’s fifth-strongest military. To build an unbeatable defense, Lee calls for boosting defense spending, growing the local arms industry, and ramping up security ties with allies. He warns that global peace is fragile after decades without major wars, so South Korea must stand on its own—without leaning too heavily on foreign troops.
At the same time, Lee doubled down on his push for lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula. In another Facebook post marking the seventh anniversary of a key 2018 inter-Korean military agreement, he vowed to revive its spirit through talks and teamwork with North Korea. That pact once stopped hostile actions along the border, but tensions have since spiked.
Since taking office in June, Lee’s team has acted quickly. He ordered a stop to blasting propaganda via loudspeakers and floating leaflets across the border. “Peace forms the bedrock of our democracy and economy,” Lee said. He stuck to three key promises from his recent Liberation Day speech: respecting North Korea’s system, rejecting unification by force or absorption, and avoiding any hostile moves—despite Pyongyang’s cold shoulder to his outreach.
Lee’s government plans to shield border communities from the stress of military standoffs, cut economic risks from conflicts, and counter groups that stir trouble on the divided peninsula. Through steady steps with the public, he aims to foster real dialogue and secure permanent calm between the two Koreas.
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