An official website of the United States Government 
Here's how you know

Official websites use .gov

.gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS

A lock ( lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

U.S., South Korea Reaffirm Shared Defense Cooperation

You have accessed part of a historical collection on defense.gov. Some of the information contained within may be outdated and links may not function. Please contact the DOD Webmaster with any questions.

Defense Secretary Dr. Mark T. Esper welcomed South Korean Defense Minister Suh Wook, reaffirming the strength of the U.S.-South Korea alliance, during an enhanced honor cordon and bilateral meeting at the Pentagon today.

Men shake hands.
Honored Arrival
Defense Secretary Dr. Mark T. Esper, left, welcomes South Korean Defense Minister Suh Wook during an enhanced honor cordon and bilateral meeting at the Pentagon, Oct. 14, 2020.
Credit: Lisa Ferdinando, DOD
VIRIN: 201014-D-BN624-001

The robust partnership between the two nations underpins security and prosperity on the Korean peninsula and in the Indo-Pacific region as well, Esper said.

He affirmed their shared objectives of a fully verified denuclearization of North Korea.

"We agree that North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile programs remain a serious threat to the security and stability of the region and the world. In the face of these and other threats, the United States remains committed to the security of the Republic of Korea," Esper said.

The two leaders also discussed policies that will improve their deterrent capabilities and ways to increase cooperation in space and cyberspace as new threats emerge. 

Man seated at a table speaks to another man across from him. The American flag is in the background.
Table Talk
Defense Secretary Dr. Mark T. Esper speaks to South Korean Defense Minister Suh Wook (back to camera) during a bilateral meeting at the Pentagon, Oct. 14, 2020.
Credit: Lisa Ferdinando, DOD
VIRIN: 201014-D-BN624-002
Men shake hands.
Pentagon Partnership
Defense Secretary Dr. Mark T. Esper, left, welcomes South Korean Defense Minister Suh Wook to the Pentagon, Oct. 13, 2020.
Credit: Lisa Ferdinando, DOD
VIRIN: 201013-D-BN624-001

They also discussed the regional security environment, including the strengthening of the U.S., South Korea and Japan trilateral defense cooperation.

Esper welcomed South Korea's commitment to the security of the Indo-Pacific region in activities like counter-piracy operations, stabilization and reconstruction efforts, regional security cooperation initiatives and humanitarian assistance.

Men, wearing face masks, touch elbows in greeting.
Bilateral Meeting
Defense Secretary Dr. Mark T. Esper, left, greets South Korean Defense Minister Suh Wook after a bilateral meeting at the Pentagon, Oct. 14, 2020.
Credit: Lisa Ferdinando, DOD
VIRIN: 201014-D-BN624-003

Other strategic and operational issues were also discussed including fully meeting all the conditions for the transition of operational military control to an ROK commander. Esper said that process will take time, but "doing so will strengthen our alliance."

Esper also said that the U.S. would welcome increased defense spending by South Korea, which would further promote collective security and regional security for both nations.

Suh said it was important that the two military leaders met in person, particularly in light of what appears to be North Korea's revelation of long-range ballistic missiles.

Men salute the flag during the anthem.
Wreath Ceremony
Defense Secretary Dr. Mark T. Esper, right, and South Korean Defense Minister Suh Wook, participate in a wreath laying ceremony at the Korean War Veterans Memorial, in Washington, D.C., Oct. 14, 2020.
Credit: Air Force Staff Sgt. Jack Sanders, DOD
VIRIN: 201014-D-XI929-002
Men stand beside a wreath.
Memorial Wreath
Defense Secretary Dr. Mark T. Esper, left, and South Korean Defense Minister Suh Wook, lay a wreath at the Korean War Veterans Memorial, in Washington, D.C., Oct. 14, 2020.
Credit: Air Force Staff Sgt. Jack Sanders, DOD
VIRIN: 201014-D-XI929-001

South Korea will also work for a smooth transition to ROK military leadership on the peninsula in the interest of a collective defense, he said.

Suh mentioned that he and Esper laid a wreath at the Korean War Veterans Memorial earlier in the day, marking 70 years since the start of the Korean War and that they committed themselves to strive for a Korean Peninsula without war again.

Related Stories