Pentagon policy chief calls S. Korea 'role model' for N. Korea deterrence, defense spending

A senior Pentagon official praised South Korea as a "role model" for its proactive role in defense and increased military spending.

According to the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby on his social media post on Thursday, Seoul continues to be a "role model in its willingness to take more of the lead in a strong defense" against North Korea, as well as its spending on defense.

He also stressed the importance of modernizing the ROK-U.S. alliance to be able to meet emerging security challenges in the region.

Colby vowed the U.S. will work closely with South Korea to ensure a strategically sustainable alliance that's "ready to defend against shared threats."

The comments follow a phone call between the defense chiefs of the two countries last week.