• Military

• WMD Menu                           

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

Reaffirming a Strong Alliance and a Solid Combined Defense Posture at the 57th ROK-US Security Consultative Meeting

Ministry of National Defense, Republic of Korea

2025-11-17

The 57th SCM takes place at the Ministry of National Defense in Seoul.
Both sides pledge to respond to rapidly evolving security challenges through mutual trust and cooperation.
Agree to develop future-oriented defense initiatives together.
Reinforced deterrence contributes to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.

Key officials, including Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back, third from right, and US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, second from left, attend the 57th SCM at the Ministry of National Defense in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, on Nov. 4.

The 57th Security Consultative Meeting (SCM), the highest-level defense and security council between South Korea and the United States, was held at the Ministry of National Defense in Yongsan, Seoul, on November 4.

Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back and US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth exchanged views on the importance and future value of the ROK-US Alliance, reaffirming strong bilateral cooperation in the face of evolving security challenges.

Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back stated at the joint press conference with US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth following the 57th SCM, "We reaffirmed an ironclad alliance and a robust combined defense posture at the first SCM held since the new administrations took office in Korea and the United States. Both countries pledged to respond to the rapidly changing security environment and threats with mutual trust and cooperation, and to advance a future-oriented defense strategy."

Minister Ahn told Secretary Hegseth, who was visiting Korea for the first time to attend the SCM, "We highly regard the implementation of reforms to make the United States military—the world's most powerful—stronger and more efficient. I am confident that the reinforced deterrence resulting from these reforms will contribute to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in the broader region."

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said, "It is a great honor to be here at this historic moment. Despite serious security challenges, the ROK-US Alliance remains stronger than ever. Under the strong leadership of both countries' presidents, we will maintain this alliance's strength."

Secretary Hegseth stated, "I will actively support the introduction of South Korea's nuclear-powered submarines. I once again confirm the approval from US President Donald Trump. Our military will make its best efforts, and the State Department, Department of Energy, and other related agencies will provide close cooperation."

Secretary Hegseth praised South Korea's exceptional shipbuilding capabilities, stating, "South Korea holds the world's best shipbuilding capabilities." He emphasized that the US administration intends to expand, deepen, and consolidate cooperation in various sectors including surface vessels, warships, and submarines.

The SCM is truly the highest-level defense body between South Korea and the United States. It began in 1968 with the establishment of the ROK-US Defense Ministerial Meeting following the January 21 Incident, when North Korea attempted to raid the Blue House, and the hijacking of the US Navy ship USS Pueblo. Since its fourth meeting in 1971, the name has been changed to the ROK-US Security Consultative Meeting, which it remains today.

By Byeong-No, Yun <trylover@dema.mil.kr >