Recent media reports have suggested that the upcoming Defense White Paper 2026 might omit the designation of North Korea as an enemy. However, the Ministry of National Defense has reaffirmed its stance, stating that the North Korean regime and military remain adversaries. In contrast, the Ministry of Unification has expressed a divergent view, emphasizing the difficulty of pursuing peaceful coexistence with North Korea while labeling it as the primary threat.
During a regular press briefing at the Ministry of National Defense headquarters in Seoul’s Yongsan district on Thursday, Deputy Spokesperson Lee Kyung-ho firmly denied reports that the Ministry was considering removing North Korea’s enemy designation from this year’s white paper. Its position remains unchanged: the North Korean regime and its military forces are the adversaries, Lee stated.
Documents provided to lawmaker Kang Dae-sik of the People Power Party reveal that when questioned about the continued validity of statements made by Defense Minister Ahn Kyu-back and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Jin Young-seung – who both identified North Korea’s military and regime as enemies – the Ministry responded that they are currently drafting the 2026 Defense White Paper. The Ministry added that terminology regarding North Korea will be reviewed based on the government’s policy stance and after considering various perspectives.
The Lee Jae Myung administration has oriented its North Korea policy towards achieving peaceful coexistence on the Korean Peninsula. This approach has led to speculation that the upcoming Defense White Paper might exclude the North Korea = enemy designation, similar to the policies adopted during the Roh Moo-hyun and Moon Jae-in administrations.
However, when asked if it would be correct to assume that there will be no changes to the North Korea = enemy expression in this year’s white paper, the deputy spokesperson affirmed this interpretation, suggesting that the current designation will likely be maintained.
The Ministry of Unification, however, has taken a different stance. They argue that designating North Korea as the primary adversary is incompatible with the government’s pursuit of peace on the Korean Peninsula.
A senior official from the Ministry of Unification, speaking to reporters at the Government Complex in Seoul’s Jongno district, emphasized that peaceful coexistence on the Korean Peninsula is a core policy objective of the Lee administration. It’s logically inconsistent to seek peaceful coexistence while simultaneously labeling North Korea as the primary adversary.
The official further elaborated that the concept of a primary adversary should be considered within the context of policies from the Roh and Moon administrations. They suggested that the terminology used in the Defense White Paper should be evaluated from this perspective. The Ministry of Unification plans to communicate these views to the Ministry of National Defense.
The Defense White Paper, first published in 1967, is a comprehensive document that outlines South Korea’s defense policy objectives and assesses military threats posed by North Korea. Initially released annually from 1988 to 2000, it transitioned to a biennial publication schedule in 2004. The 2024 edition was delayed due to the December 3 emergency martial law situation.
The 2026 Defense White Paper, slated for release by year’s end, will mark the first such document under the Lee administration. It is expected to address critical issues including the transfer of wartime operational control, efforts to restore the September 19 military agreement, and strategies for alliance modernization and strategic flexibility.