How South Korea became a global security partner 75 years since Korean War

Seventy-five years ago today, South Korea was invaded by North Korean and Chinese forces — triggering a brutal war that would draw in countries from around the world to come to its defence.

We take a closer look at how far South Korea has come since then — from the ruins of war to a global defence power.

We have in the studio our lead foreign affairs correspondent Oh Soo-young.

Q1. Let's start with a recap of where we were seventy-five years ago today.

The outbreak of war that drew in 22 nations under the United Nations Command.

That's right. It was an international coalition that came to defend South Korea's freedom and sovereignty at its darkest hour.

Among the 22 countries was the Netherlands, which dispatched over 5-thousand volunteers to the South.

Their sacrifice was not only a defence of South Korea's territory, but of shared values that remain to this day freedom, democracy, and the rule of law.

"Of the more than 5,000 troops, we lost almost 125, and we're still present today. We're still a member of UNC. We have personnel at UNC and I think that's important because it shows our commitment to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. Why is that important? I think it's important because nowadays our security in the Euro Atlantic region is so connected with security here in the Indo Pacific region."

Q2. Today, the situation couldn't be more different. South Korea has transformed into a global defence powerhouse.

Yes. South Korea's massive defence industry comes from humble beginnings, following the Korean War.

With the threat of U.S. troop withdrawals under the Nixon Doctrine, South Korea was triggered into action.

In 1970, the government established the Agency for Defense Development, and began reverse-engineering small arms.

By the 1980s and 1990s, South Korea was producing tanks, artillery, naval ships, and eventually aircraft.

Defense exports remained relatively modest through the early 2000s, hovering around 1 to 2 billion dollars annually.

The real breakthrough came in the 2020s. In 2021, defense exports reached 7.3 billion dollars.

That figure more than doubled in 2022, surging to 17.3 billion dollars.

According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, South Korea now ranks as the world's eighth-largest arms exporter — a position few would have imagined even a decade ago.

Korean weapons combine cutting-edge technology, tested reliability, fast delivery, and lower prices — often half the cost of Western competitors — making them highly attractive to buyers worldwide.

This was evident when Poland, facing growing security concerns after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, turned to South Korea for tanks, howitzers, and fighter jets.

Q3.

Europe, in particular, seems to be seeking closer ties with Seoul on security matters.

Absolutely. The momentum for cooperation peaked at the height of the Ukraine crisis.

South Korea provided indirect support by supplying critical ammunition stocks to NATO countries, while simultaneously deepening bilateral partnerships with European nations,.. such as the United Kingdom, agreeing to co-develop quantum missile technology, and the Netherlands, forging a Comprhensive Strategic Partership and a semiconductor alliance.

"We mean a lot to each other as security partners. And that's in the field of defense cooperation but also defense industry cooperation in the field of cyber, maritime security etc. One important area under the broader umbrella of security is also economic security."

With NATO as a whole, Seoul forged a "tailored partnership" in 2023, agreeing on 11 sectors of cooperation between Korea and NATO like anti-terrorism efforts, disarmament and nonproliferation, emerging technologies, and cybersecurity.

So beyond the commercial aspect, South Korea's security footprint building long-term strategic partnerships grounded in mutual trust.

Q4. Another region of the world, where South Korea's defence ties extend is the Middle East.

That's right. South Korea has quietly contributed towards Middle East security over the past three decades.

It hasn't engaged in combat, but provided assistance in humanitarian efforts such as reconstruction and medical aid.

It also plays vital peacekeeping roles, with its ongoing key deployments:

Since 2011, the Akh Unit in the United Arab Emirates provides elite training for UAE special forces.

The Dongmyeong Unit in Lebanon, since 2007, has focused on peacekeeping, engaging in community outreach and efforts to prevent clashes between Israel and Hezbollah, as well as internal Lebanese conflicts.

"Locals develop great affection for South Korean troops. It's the same in Sudan and elsewhere. Korean troops consistently perform exemplary duties in UN peacekeeping or other missions. In this way, our overseas deployments have played a significant role in raising Korea's international stature."

Alongside these deployments, Korea's defense exports to the Middle East have expanded sharply from air defense systems and missile interceptors to warships and smart precision weapons.

"These nations ask Korea not just to sell weapons, but to share know-how. Our defense R&D institutes actively provide advice to Gulf states like Saudi Arabia. These countries want to benchmark our R&D models, facilities, and production systems. Thus, Korea is becoming an indispensable security partner for Gulf nations, not just as an arms supplier but as a key collaborator in building their self-sufficiency."

Q5.

So what does all this mean for South Korea's role in the world as security crises continue to mount?

Just as it overcame existential threats in the 1970s through innovation and determination, Seoul must tackle a new geopolitical reality, and stay ahead technologically.

That'll require investing boldly in next-generation capabilities, expanding multilateral security partnerships, and most importantly, staying true to the values that brought the world to its defence 75 years ago.

"So I think what we share it is a commitment to uphold the international legal order a belief that we are both open, export oriented economies. We can only as middle powers be who we are if we can operate in a rules based international order. So it's up to us to uphold that. And that is, I think you know, the values that we share democracy, freedom, freedom of navigation, human rights."

An extraordinary journey set to continue as South Korea develops as a key player in global security.

Thank for coming in today, Sooyoung.