Acting Defense Minister Kim has phone call with newly appointed U.S. Defense Secretary Hegseth on Fri.

Acting Defense Minister Kim Seon-ho, spoke with newly appointed U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Friday.

Minister Kim congratulated Secretary Hegseth, and expressed confidence in his leadership amid global security challenges.

Secretary Hegseth reaffirmed the strong U.S. commitment to South Korea's defense, promising to further strengthen the alliance.

The two agreed on deepening cooperation, especially in response to North Korea's nuclear and missile threats, and expressed concerns over growing Russia-North Korea military ties.