Defense ministry to publish white paper for 1st time in 4 years

The 2012 Defense White Paper / Korea Times photo by Hong In-ki

The defense ministry is preparing to publish its defense policy paper for the first time in four years later this year, according to ministry officials Tuesday.

The biennial defense white paper had not been updated since 2022, in the wake of a failed martial law bid in late 2024 by former President Yoon Suk Yeol.

A draft version of the 2024 defense policy paper had been updated, but its formal publication was delayed due to the aftermath of the martial law turmoil.

The new defense policy paper is expected to be published by the end of this year.

If published, attention will focus on how South Korea redefines its relations with North Korea or adjusts its alliance with the United States.

A description of North Korea had been a key part of the basis of South Korea's defense policy.

In the 2022 white paper, the defense ministry described the North Korean regime and its military as "our enemy."