Yi Whan-woo is a Korea Times journalist primarily covering finance. He writes in-depth articles on macroeconomy and financial markets and previously covered sports, politics, diplomacy and inter-Korean affairs, among others. Feel free to contact him at yistory@koreatimes.co.kr.
Korea shows uneasiness over USFK chief’s ‘dagger’ remarks
Gen. Xavier Brunson, right, commander of the U.S Forces Korea and United Nations Command, greets a Thai representative at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Saturday. Reuters-Yonhap
By Yi Whan-woo
Brunson's comments seen as undermining Korea’s own strategic choices
Korea showed uneasiness about remarks by the U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) commander describing the country as a “dagger” in Asia — controversial wording that highlighted the country's strategic role in U.S. deterrence against China without reflecting its own strategic choices on regional security.
National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac, along with officials from the Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, conveyed Seoul’s position through respective diplomatic and security channels regarding USFK Commander Gen. Xavier Brunson’s remarks, according to Cheong Wa Dae, Saturday.
While the presidential office did not elaborate on Seoul’s stance, analysts interpreted it as an expression of regret that reflected Korea’s efforts to maintain a balance amid the intensifying rivalry between the U.S. and China.
“Brunson focused solely on the U.S. perspective, overlooking Korea’s own strategic calculations and its relationship with China,” a researcher at a private defense think tank said on condition of anonymity.
The ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) openly criticized Brunson, with its spokesperson Rep. Boo Seung-chan saying in a written briefing that the USFK commander’s comments “arbitrarily defined Korea’s strategic status, infringed upon the sovereignty of its people and even fueled diplomatic tensions.”
“The situation on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia should be addressed through the language of diplomacy, not military metaphors. Such remarks risk creating unnecessary misunderstandings and tensions, which is deeply concerning,” Boo said.
Concerns arose after Brunson’s podcast interview hosted by the U.S. Army War College on May 22.
"When they (the Chinese) look out from the east coast of China, what they see is there's Korea, the dagger in the heart of Asia," he said in the interview.
He added that Japan serves as "a shield" and a defensive barrier against China's ambitions beyond the South China Sea.
Brunson has repeatedly highlighted Korea’s strategic value in helping the U.S. overcome geographic constraints in the broader Indo-Pacific. In May 2025, he described Korea as a “fixed aircraft carrier” in the region.
The Chinese Embassy in Seoul strongly protested Brunson's podcast remarks, warning that the commander “clearly crossed the line.”
“By describing the host country as an ‘aircraft carrier’ or a ‘dagger,’ are you revealing a belligerent mindset, or signaling an intention to use it as a tool against China?” the embassy said Thursday.
“We urge the USFK commander to respect countries in the region and contribute more to maintaining peace and stability in the region.”
Amid growing concerns, Brunson later clarified that his remarks were aimed at describing the crucial nature of USFK’s operating environment.
“What I said was trying to describe the operating environment, because what's incredibly important in being strong and quiet is about being able to describe the environment where we're working,” he said during the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on Saturday when asked by a Chinese participant whether his statement represented the position of the U.S. Donald Trump administration and whether it was endorsed by the Pentagon.
An annual security meeting in the Asia-Pacific, the Shangri-La Dialogue took place from Friday to Sunday, with participation by the top three defense officials of Korea, the U.S. and Japan, among others.
With regard to Brunson’s remarks, Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back said, “Korea and the U.S. remain in close communication on all pending issues, including through frequent consultations with U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth ... I do not believe the matter is particularly significant.”