International — Combined Forces Command & Lee Jae Myung

International — Combined Forces Command: The International — Combined Forces Command conducted the exercise with adjustments, reflecting the reduced scope and duration.

Lee Jae Myung: South Korean President Lee Jae Myung stressed the importance of the US alliance and urged faster progress on acquiring nuclear-powered submarines. He faces domestic criticism over the handling of the drill reduction.

International — Combined Forces Command: The International — Combined Forces Command conducts joint US-South Korea drills and adjusts training based on North Korean threats. Its activities are central to deterrence but also provoke North Korean reactions.

Lee Jae Myung: Lee is the main proponent of the peace talks, seeking to reduce tensions and curb North Korea's nuclear program. His dovish stance could improve inter-Korean relations and regional stability, positively affecting South Korean markets.