Korea Joongang Daily
Korea JoongAng Daily

Defense chief says no U.S. request for support in Hormuz received

Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back told lawmakers Tuesday he has yet to receive an official request from the United States for support regarding operations around the Strait of Hormuz.

2026-04-14

Defense minister visits key defense manufacturer to assess Iran war's impact on arms industry

Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back on Friday visited a key manufacturer of precision-guided missiles and other weapons to assess the impact of the war in the Middle East on the domestic arms industry, his office said.

2026-04-10

Defense minister clarifies comments on border troop reduction, emphasizes 'gradual' change

Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back said Thursday that his ministry plans to reduce the number of troops deployed to border units “gradually” by 2040, dismissing concerns about a sharp cut in such personnel in a short period of time.

2026-04-09

Defense chief prioritizes overseas Korean troops' safety following U.S.-Israeli strikes against Iran

National Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back on Monday called for the safety of Korean troops dispatched overseas to be the top priority amid escalating tensions in the Middle East due to U.S.-Israeli strikes against Iran.

2026-03-02

Defense minister makes pitch for South Korea's bid to secure Canada's submarine project

Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back has made an emphatic pitch for South Korea's bid to win Canada's high-profile submarine procurement project during talks with his Canadian counterpart in Ottawa.

2026-02-26

Defense Ministry identifies some 180 personnel as involved in martial law bid

The Ministry of National Defense has identified around 180 military personnel as having been involved in former President Yoon Suk Yeol's short-lived martial law bid in late 2024 and plans to take measures against them, including disciplinary action.

2026-02-12

Colby recalls 'excellent' talks with Seoul officials on alliance modernization, collective defense

U.S. Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby has recounted his recent trip to Seoul, noting that he had "excellent" meetings with South Korean officials to discuss joint efforts to "modernize" the bilateral alliance.

2026-02-11

Korea, Saudi Arabia sign MOU on defense research, development

Korea and Saudi Arabia have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on deepening defense research and development on the occasion of a meeting of their defense ministers over the weekend, Seoul's Defense Ministry said Monday.

2026-02-09

Korea, Japan agree to resume naval search, rescue drills after 9-year hiatus

Korea and Japan have agreed to resume joint naval search-and-rescue exercises, Seoul's Defense Ministry said Friday, marking the return of such drills after nine years amid efforts to improve bilateral ties.

2026-01-30

Defense chief urges reform of military intelligence commands following martial law

Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back on Wednesday called for a powerful reform of defense intelligence and investigative arms amid efforts to rebuild the military in the aftermath of the botched martial law bid in late 2024.

2026-01-21