US, South Korea and Japan to hold ‘Freedom Edge’ drill amid North Korea tensions

National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac made the remarks at a press briefing as U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly signaled his intention to rekindle now-dormant diplomacy with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

The United States, South Korea and Japan will take part in trilateral military exercises off South Korea's southern coast next month, even after President Donald Trump ordered the Pentagon to substantially reduce bilateral drills with Seoul.

Freedom Edge was first held in June 2024 following an agreement reached by the leaders of the three countries at their Camp David summit in 2023.

The exercise comes after US President Donald Trump scaled back a major joint exercise with South Korea.