US and South Korea Discuss Management of North Korea Border

On May 21, 2026, South Korea and the US held defense talks in Washington to discuss potential changes in managing the heavily fortified border with North Korea. A spokesperson from South Korea's defense ministry reported progress but denied any plans for joint or divided control of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). The discussions are part of ongoing efforts by South Korean President Lee Jae Myung to reclaim wartime operational control from the US, which currently oversees allied troops in case of conflict. The DMZ serves as a buffer zone established by the armistice that ended the Korean War, and the United Nations Command oversees it. South Korea's recent white paper acknowledges the existence of two states, while still aiming for eventual unification.

Key Points: • South Korea and the US are revising management strategies for the DMZ. • No joint or divided control of the DMZ will be established, according to officials. • President Lee Jae Myung aims to reclaim wartime operational control from the US.