NATO Defense Spending Rise Spurs Pressure on S. Korea

(MENAFN) South Korea’s National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac emphasized on Thursday that NATO’s recent commitment to increase defense budgets could influence Seoul’s defense spending policies, especially amid growing U.S. demands for South Korea to raise its military expenditure, local media outlets reported.

Returning from the NATO summit in The Hague earlier this week, Wi revealed that Washington is urging South Korea to follow the international push toward higher defense investment, according to a local news agency.

He stressed that the NATO decision to ramp up defense budgets holds significance for South Korea’s own defense strategies.

"That is a broader trend, and similar demands have been made to us," Wi stated.

On Wednesday, all 32 NATO members agreed to allocate 5% of their GDP annually toward defense by 2035, with a minimum of 3.5% dedicated to core military expenses, and up to 1.5% focused on cybersecurity, critical infrastructure, and building industrial capabilities.

South Korea’s Defense Ministry recently highlighted that its defense spending as a share of GDP remains “very high” relative to other key U.S. allies.

This year, South Korea’s defense budget reached 61.2 trillion won ($44.6 billion), representing 2.3% of its GDP—a 3.1% increase over last year, according to the agency.

The country currently hosts approximately 28,500 U.S. troops, a presence established following the Korean War from 1950 to 1953.

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