Wednesday September 24, 2025

News
The Implications of Freedom Edge, The U.S.-South Korea-Japan Trilateral Drill 

Stephanie Bulega-Nasuna 

South Korea continued its trilateral, multi-domain exercises with the United States and Japan – dubbed “Freedom Edge” – between September 15-19, underscoring enduring defensive cooperation among the three partner countries and casting a spotlight on the solidification of regional security blocs in Northeast Asia. This year's drill marked the third round of exercises based on the combination of the bilateral U.S.-South Korea Freedom Shield and U.S.-Japan Keen Edge training operations that began in June 2024. 

This year’s drill prioritized air and maritime training, cyber warfare, and special operations capabilities. The branch chief and lead planner for Freedom Edge, U.S. Air Force Col. Craig “Po” Rumble explained the main priorities of Freedom Edge are , “ “integrating [the]  three nations’ strategic guidance to build trust, improve understanding, share information and perspectives, and to ultimately assess and improve combined warfighting.” “ The Freedom Edge drill provides a framework for the three countries’' coordination and deterrence toward aggression in the Indo-Pacific region. 

The drill dates were planned in advance, but Freedom Edge took placewas conducted two weeks after Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un gathered in Beijing were seen side by side in Tiananmen Square to celebrate the end of World War II. Last year,  Russia and North Korea signed a security pact for mutual defense, and Kim Jong Un sent soldiers for the Ukraine war. The image of the three leaders in Beijing, symbolizeds a united front against the United States and allies, laying the groundwork for Freedom Edge to. Therefore, these drill  serve as a strategic response to the North Korea,- China-, and Russia solidarity. 

During the exercises, Kim Yo Jong – sister of North Korea’s Kim – decried the drills, saying, Moreover, During the exercises, North Korea expressed its criticism during the military drill. Kim Yo Jong, the vice department director of North Korea’s central committee warned, “ This reminds us that the reckless display of power displayed by the U.S., Japan, and South Korea in the wrong places, namely around the Democratic People’'s Republic of Korea, will undoubtedly bring about negative consequences.” for themselves”. These “consequences”The consequences Kim Yo Jong is referring to  could entail additional high level provocations by North Korea, or continued disinterest in restarting negotiations with South Korea and the United States. 

The “iron clad commitment” among the trilateralship of South Korea, Japan, and the United States motivates North Korea’s motivation  to strengthen ties with Russia and China, potentially limiting opportunities for engagement. It's clear U.S. power projection in East Asia through operations like Freedom Edge limit opportunities for North Korean engagement. In world order today, mutually In the current geopolitical landscape, mutually beneficial  strategic partnerships are dominating the Indo-Pacific. 

U.S.-South Korea Trade Deal Negotiations Stall over Investment Scheme

Sophia Shum Gagnier

The finalization of the U.S.-South Korea trade deal has stalled as negotiators wrangle over the details of South Korea’s $350 billion U.S. investment pledge. In July, the two sides agreed that in return for $350 billion in South Korean investment and $100 billion in South Korean energy purchases, U.S. tariffs would be reduced from 25% to 15% on South Korean  goods and that South Korea would receive equal treatment to other U.S. partners on forthcoming sectoral tariffs on items like semiconductors and pharmaceuticals. However, the current dispute reportedly revolves around the form South Korean investments would take, with South Korean officials concerned over how direct cash transfers could affect the country’s fiscal stability should they comply with the United States’  demand.

The U.S. demand is that South Korea follow the example set by the U.S.-Japan trade deal, which stipulates that Japan will invest $550 billion in industries specified by the US government within 45 days. Following the investment, revenue from the project would be shared equally by Japan and the United States until the initial distribution amount is recouped. Thereafter, Japan’s share of any profits would fall to 10%, with the remaining 90% going to the United States. 

However, South Korean officials have publicly stated their unwillingness to participate insuch an investment scheme, citing vastly different economic pressures than those of Japan. South Korea’s foreign reserves stand at $410 billion, while Japan’s stood at $1.23 trillion as of 2024. The rapid loss of foreign reserves, paired with ever-slowing economic growth, poses a serious threat to investor confidence and currency stability. In fact, President Lee Jae Myung told reporters this week that a direct cash transfer of $350 billion would result in economic turmoil mirroring that of the 1997 financial crisis.

South Korean officials have insisted that negotiations will not conclude until the deal serves South Korean national interests; however, the government is under conflicting economic and political pressures. In 2024, South Korean imports to the United States stood at $131.6 billion, up 13% from the year prior. Exports have been a mainstay of the Korean economy since the 1970s. Undermined competitiveness in U.S. markets due to 25% tariffs has the capability to devastate South Korea’s economy if left too long, which underscores the importance of a finalized trade deal as soon as possible. 

On the other hand, protests against even the general contours of the trade deal have been constant since their announcement in July, with South Koreans questioning the fairness of President Trump’s demands of an ally. Further, the very public raid of Hyundai’s manufacturing plant in Georgia by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)  has led to widespread shock and outrage over the state of the U.S.-South Korea relationship. Ultimately, the United States’ uncompromising attitude threatens South Korea’s economy and calls into question both sides’ ability to negotiate a model that rewards all involved  despite increasing urgency

This Week in Korean History

On September 22, 1965, the JoongAng Daily published its first issue. Known as 중앙일보 (joong-ang ilbo) in Korean, the publication was established by Samsung founder Lee Byung-chul and would remain part of his business empire until its separation in 1999. Today, the outlet remains one of the leading South Korean media organizations.