Why Kim Jong Un has nothing to fear from this month's ROK-U.S. drills



Opinion Why Kim Jong Un has nothing to fear from this month’s ROK-U.S. drills This month's drills are purely defensive and designed to ensure that diplomacy is not interrupted Chun In-bum August 11, 2019 SHARE COPY LINK FACEBOOK X LINKEDIN MASTODON U.S. PACOM President Donald Trump surprised the world in June last year when, following his historic first summit with Kim Jong Un, he announced that “provocative” military exercises on the Korean peninsula would end. Neither the South Korean government nor the militaries of the Republic of Korea or the United States were consulted in advance. Despite this, they made every effort to support the political decision of the U.S. and South Korean President and the broader diplomatic process. Since then, close to a dozen combined ROK-U.S. exercises have been canceled, with the Ulchi Freedom Guardian and Key Resolve/ Foal Eagle exercises © Korea Risk Group. All rights reserved. No part of this content may be reproduced, distributed, or used for commercial purposes without prior written permission from Korea Risk Group. Get the Daily Update & Podcast Updates Start your day with the North Korea stories that matter most – as selected by Trending

Opinion

Why Kim Jong Un has nothing to fear from this month’s ROK-U.S. drills

This month's drills are purely defensive and designed to ensure that diplomacy is not interrupted

Chun In-bum August 11, 2019

Why Kim Jong Un has nothing to fear from this month’s ROK-U.S. drills

U.S. PACOM

President Donald Trump surprised the world in June last year when, following his historic first summit with Kim Jong Un, he announced that “provocative” military exercises on the Korean peninsula would end.

Neither the South Korean government nor the militaries of the Republic of Korea or the United States were consulted in advance. Despite this, they made every effort to support the political decision of the U.S. and South Korean President and the broader diplomatic process.

Since then, close to a dozen combined ROK-U.S. exercises have been canceled, with the Ulchi Freedom Guardian and Key Resolve/ Foal Eagle exercises

About the Author

Chun In-bum

Retired Lieutenant General In-Bum Chun entered the Korea Military Academy in 1977. Chun was commissioned an infantry officer in 1981 as class 37. Chun became the youngest officer in the Republic of Korea (ROK) Army history to be an aide to a three-star general with a rank of lieutenant. Chun commanded a combat division and the Korean Special Forces. Chun retired from active duty as of July of 2016, and continues to contribute to the improvement of ROK military capabilities and animal welfare.

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