WASHINGTON (Yonhap) -- Korea and the United States are struggling to decide the timing and size of their annual joint military exercises as they try to manage the security situation on the Korean Peninsula, sources said Thursday.
The allies are increasingly mindful of the possibility of North Korean provocations after the death of the nation's autocrat, Kim Jong-il, in December.
Pyongyang declared his youngest son, Jong-un, reportedly in his late 20s, as its new leader. But it remains uncertain whether he has acquired control in a country where the military is extremely strong.
"(South Korea) is in consultations with the U.S. side over the Key Resolve exercise that is usually held from the end of February until early March," a government source said.
The source, requesting anonymity, said there are "many factors" to consider this year, such as Kim's death and the ensuing change in the country.
Last year, the allies staged Key Resolve from Feb. 28 to March 10, followed by Foal Eagle through April 30. About 12,800 U.S. troops and more than 200,000 South Korean troops took part in the training, which both Seoul and Washington said is aimed at bolstering defense readiness.
The North routinely criticizes the exercises as preparations for assault.
Seoul would likely face a fierce backlash from conservatives at home if it drastically scales down or postpones the exercises out of fear of provocative steps by the North.
After the North's deadly attacks in 2010, the South has vowed a tough response to further provocations.
Another source said, "Our current stance is to conduct (the drills) like the previous year. The government will soon make a final decision and announcement."
Meanwhile, a U.S. Defense Department official reiterated that the training is aimed at strengthening the defense capabilities of the allies.
"I have no specific details on any exercises to announce; however, as you know, our regularly scheduled U.S.-ROK exercises enhance the Alliance's ability to defend the ROK and protect the region," the official told Yonhap News Agency. "Exercises like Key Resolve demonstrate U.S. commitment to the ROK-U.S. alliance and enhance the combat readiness of ROK and U.S. supporting forces through combined and joint training."
The department earlier confirmed that two of its officials -- Peter Lavoy, acting assistant secretary of defense for Asian and Pacific security affairs, and Michael Schiffer, deputy assistant secretary of defense for East Asia -- had attended talks with senior South Korean and Japanese officials in Washington on Tuesday.
The South's nuclear envoy, Lim Sung-nam, said the three nations agreed to keep the door for dialogue with Pyongyang open. (Yonhap)