South Korean officials and Washington officials plan on increasing the number of joint military exercises in response to increased demonstrations of aggression from North Korea, who is testing an increasing number of inter continental ballistic missiles (ICBM). These ICBMs have the capability to reach far inland of the United States, further concerning Washington officials of the intentions of the North Korean supreme leader, Kim Jong Un. Because of these increasing concerns from the west, further talks between South Korea and US have resulted, more notably about increasing the amount of shared information and possibly more leniency from the West on South Korea’s defensive strategies.
Further destabilizing the region, North Korea is demonstrating increasing aggression towards South Korea. Historically, North Koreans view America as the massive evil entity that ripped South Korea from them, thus furthering hatred towards South Korea when they are seen as allies to the US. Furthermore, North Korea’s increase in missile testing would indicate that they are increasing their military capabilities, potentially indicating the possibility of an offensive strike. Theoretically, if they were to strike, North Korea’s only ally (China), would have the option to provide military support. However, if that were to happen, due to South Korea being a partner of NATO, contractually speaking, all members of NATO would be forced to fight back, whether that be on the ground or through shipments. And if China were to join, China would be drawn into an engagement with NATO forces, further destabilizing the already fragile world peace. To analyze on a much smaller level, considering Kim Jong Un is perpetually surrounded by his fleet of yes-men, the probability of him authorizing nuclear strikes is non-zero. If North Korea were to strike, China would have its hands full. Considering China’s plan to retake Taiwan, China is already under heavy US scrutiny. All that being said, however, North Korea has been testing missiles and weapons for a considerable amount of time, and all that testing has amounted to nothing invasion wise. I believe that the world is seeing North Korea as the little whining brat making empty threats because he isn’t getting enough attention at the family dinner.
This is a perfect example of defensive realism. Because South Korea can’t trust North Korea, nor their intentions, and they have seen North Korea’s testing of various missiles increase over the past few years, South Korea is increasing its military’s defensive capabilities as well as training alongside international allies.