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After U.S. Forces Korea commander Xavier Brunson sparked controversy by saying that, from China’s perspective, South Korea is like a “dagger,” the South Korean government reportedly expressed its regret to U.S. officials.
On the 30th, the Blue House said National Security Office Chief Wi Seong‑lak, together with the Defense and Foreign Ministries, conveyed Seoul’s position to U.S. counterparts through multiple channels concerning Brunson’s remarks.
Officials say the government likely raised its concerns and requested that similar comments be avoided in the future.
A Blue House official declined to provide details of the discussions but said, “We are aware of Commander Brunson’s recent public remarks,” and added, “South Korea and the United States maintain close communication at various levels on key issues.”
The controversy began with Brunson’s public comments. On the 22nd, he appeared on a podcast hosted by the U.S. Army War College and, describing how China might view the region, said, “When they (China) look from their eastern coast, what stands out is Korea—which they see as a dagger at the heart of Asia—and Japan, which functions as a shield and a bulwark when they seek to project beyond the South China Sea.” In May of last year, he also described Korea’s geographic position as “like an island or a fixed aircraft carrier floating between Japan and mainland China.”
Critics argued that his remarks emphasized a U.S. strategic perspective without adequately reflecting South Korea’s own diplomatic and security judgments or sovereign stance.
The Chinese Embassy in Seoul also protested strongly, accusing Brunson of portraying South Korea and U.S. forces in Korea as a “forward base” aimed at China and saying, via some Korean media, that “your remarks clearly crossed the line.”
The Democratic Party likewise expressed regret over Brunson’s comments, saying he “arbitrarily defined the Republic of Korea’s strategic standing.”
Spokesperson Boo Seung‑chan said in a written briefing, “Only the people can decide whether South Korea will be a ‘dagger’ or a ‘shield.’ South Korea charts its own destiny and stands proudly as a sovereign nation.”
He added, “Foreign and security strategy is for the sovereign people to decide. No one may assign any role to South Korea without the consent of its people. The situation on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia should be addressed in diplomatic terms rather than military metaphors. Remarks like these from a military commander risk creating unnecessary misunderstandings and tensions on the peninsula, which is deeply concerning.”
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