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
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
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
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
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
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
$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
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
Lee, Trump to discuss alliance modernization during summit: National Security Adviser Wi National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac highlighted Friday that the modernization of the Korea-U.S. alliance will be on the agenda in President Lee Jae Myung and U.S. President Donald Trump upcoming summit in Washington. 2025.8.22
National security adviser heads to U.S., sparking speculation about tariffs and security talks Korean National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac departed for Washington on Sunday, just 12 days ahead of a U.S.-imposed deadline of Aug. 1 for finalizing a deal over tariffs proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump. 2025.7.20