South Korean Defence Minister Ahn Gyu-back on Saturday, 30 May called for a dual-track security strategy — building Seoul's own defence capabilities while deepening its alliance with the United States — as North Korea's growing alignment with Russia and battlefield experience in Ukraine reshape threat calculations across the Indo-Pacific.

Key Remarks at Shangri-La Dialogue

Speaking at the Asian Security Summit, also known as the Shangri-La Dialogue, held in Singapore, Ahn warned that Pyongyang's military buildup is no longer a peninsula-level concern. “The North’s military buildup and its advancement of nuclear and missile capabilities are adding to instability across the entire Indo-Pacific region ... The developments on the Korean Peninsula clearly act as a key variable in global security,” he said.

Ahn also affirmed that South Korea, officially the Republic of Korea, would pursue both tracks simultaneously: “The Republic of Korea will continue its efforts to strengthen self-reliant defense capabilities in tandem with enhancing the alliance (with the United States).”

The Three-Axis Deterrence System

Central to Seoul’s self-reliant posture is its three-axis deterrence system, which comprises three interlocking components. The Korea Air and Missile Defence (KAMD) provides a multilayered missile shield. The Kill Chain platform enables preemptive strike capability against imminent threats. The Korea Massive Punishment and Retaliation (KMPR) system is designed to deliver a devastating counter-strike. Ahn said South Korea is also reinforcing US extended deterrence — Washington’s commitment to deploying its full military arsenal, including nuclear weapons, in defence of its allies.

Building a 'Smart Military'

Ahn outlined plans to modernise the South Korean military in line with evolving warfare, describing efforts to build a ‘smart military’ powered by artificial intelligence-based systems and advanced drone and anti-drone defence platforms. “Through these efforts, we will play a more leading role in the defense of the Korean Peninsula,” he said.

Dialogue with Pyongyang and Hormuz Commitment

Despite the firm deterrence posture, Ahn reaffirmed Seoul’s openness to engagement with North Korea. “The most reliable security comes with peace that does not need war,” he said, adding that South Korea would “pursue our peaceful coexistence policy through dialogue between the two Koreas.”

Ahn also signalled Seoul’s intent to contribute to security in the Strait of Hormuz, which remains under strain amid the ongoing US-Iran conflict. He said the government is “actively reviewing practical measures” to support freedom of navigation in key sea lanes, in line with international law and domestic legal requirements.

Why It Matters

North Korea’s reported deployment of troops to support Russia in Ukraine has given Pyongyang real-world combat exposure that analysts say could accelerate its military modernisation. Combined with advances in its nuclear and missile programmes, this has prompted South Korea — and its Indo-Pacific partners — to recalibrate security frameworks. Ahn’s address at one of Asia’s most prominent defence forums signals that Seoul is positioning itself as a more proactive security actor, not merely a dependent ally. The coming months will test whether Seoul’s expanded deterrence posture translates into concrete capability upgrades and regional partnerships.