Tag: National Security Adviser

National Security Adviser

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National security adviser met new U.S. ambassador last month, official says

National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac and U.S. Ambassador to Korea Michelle Steel likely discussed pending alliance issues, such as Korea's U.S. investment commitment and Coupang.

2026.8.7

Korean security adviser says U.S. may impose additional tariffs as Section 301 decision looms

President Lee Jae Myung is set to embark on a trip to the United States, Brazil, Chile and Argentina focused on trade, investment and AI as concern over possible expanded tariffs rises.

2026.7.22

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National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac, center right, speaks at a Korea News Editors' Association forum at the Korea Press Center in central Seoul on May 13. [YONHAP]

Security chief says Seoul is reviewing 'levels of military roles' in U.S.-led Hormuz initiatives

National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac said Wednesday that South Korea is considering U.S.-led initiatives to enable safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz and reviewing "various levels of military roles."

2026.5.13

Vessels in the Strait of Hormuz near Bandar Abbas, Iran, on May 4. [REUTERS/YONHAP]

No more need for Korea to mull 'Project Freedom' after Trump suspended it, Blue House says

The Blue House said Wednesday that Korea no longer needs to review participation in the U.S.-led "Project Freedom" initiative, a tricky issue for Seoul, as President Donald Trump temporarily suspended the operation amid negotiations with Iran.

2026.5.6

National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac gives a press conference on the results of President Lee Jae Myung’s state visit to Vietnam at a hotel in Hanoi on April 23. [JOINT PRESS CORPS]

Coupang issue is affecting Korea-U.S. security consultations, says Seoul’s top security adviser

National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac said that U.S. claims of discriminatory regulations against e-commerce giant Coupang, in light of a protest letter sent by U.S. lawmakers earlier this week, are "affecting Korea-U.S. security consultations."

2026.4.24

National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac, left, speaks with Foreign Minister Cho Hyun ahead of a Cabinet meeting at the Blue House in central Seoul on April 6. [JOINT PRESS CORPS]

Passage through Hormuz may take time despite cease-fire, national security chief says

National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac assessed that it could take some time for Korean-flagged vessels to transit through the Strait of Hormuz, despite a two-week cease-fire between the United States and Iran.

2026.4.10

National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac holds a press briefing on his weeklong visit to the United States, Canada and Japan at the briefing room in the Blue House in central Seoul on Dec. 24. [JOINT PRESS CORPS]

Seoul, Washington set course for nuclear-powered sub agreement, follow-up talks planned

South Korea and the United States agreed to pursue a separate deal on cooperation for the construction of nuclear-powered submarines, Seoul's top security adviser said Friday.

2025.12.24

A South Korean flag in Daeseong-dong and a North Korean flag in Kijong-dong flutter in the western front of the demilitarized zone (DMZ) in Paju, Gyeonggi, on Sept. 22. South Korea is grappling with how to define its relationship with the North. [YONHAP]

South Korea's policy puzzle: Lee's top aides divided over 'two states' approach to North

The head of South Korea’s Unification Ministry and the country's top security adviser have aired starkly differing views on North Korea policy. While one sees North and South Korea as “two states,” the other opposes this viewpoint.

2025.10.5

National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac gives a press briefing at the Yongsan presidential office in central Seoul on Sept. 29. [JOINT PRESS CORPS]

$350 million 'up front' cash payment to U.S. 'unfeasible,' Korea's security adviser says

National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac doubled down on Seoul's refusal to pay its $350 billion investment pledge to Washington "up front," as suggested by U.S. President Donald Trump, saying it was "unfeasible" on Monday.

2025.9.29

National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac speaks to reporters at a press conference at the Yongsan presidential office in central Seoul on Sept. 12 after the return of Koreans detained in Georgia. [NEWS1]

Korea to work with U.S. to improve visa system after ICE raid, national security adviser says

National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac said Friday that Seoul will work with Washington to improve the U.S. visa system to eliminate risks for Korean companies operating in the United States following the shocking immigration raid in Georgia.

2025.9.12