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- South Korea to increase defence budget by 8.2% next year, President Lee says</p>
<p>By Ju-min Park and Heejin KimOctober 1, 2025 at 4:29 AM</p>
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<p>South Korean President Lee Jae Myung pauses while answering a reporter's question during an interview with Reuters at the Presidential Office in Seoul, South Korea, September 19, 2025. REUTERS/Kim Hong-Ji</p>
<p>By Ju-min Park and Heejin Kim</p>
<p>SEOUL (Reuters) -South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said on Wednesday the country's defence budget for next year would rise by 8.2% to 66.3 trillion won ($47.1 billion), adding that peace would only be possible on a strong foundation of security.</p>
<p>Lee made the comments on South Korea's Armed Forces Day, highlighting the importance of self-defence capabilities.</p>
<p>"The momentum for cooperation and shared prosperity is weakening across the world, and we are entering an era of increased conflict, where it's every man for himself," Lee said.</p>
<p>"To ensure peace and prosperity for the Republic of Korea, we must not depend on anyone else but strengthen our own power," said Lee, using South Korea's official name.</p>
<p>Lee said next year's defence budget, with its "significant" increase, would be focused on investing in cutting-edge technology like drones and robots.</p>
<p>The South Korean leader, who is pursuing engagement with North Korea, said that peace would only be possible on a strong foundation of security. He said the country's defence spending was already 1.4 times North Korea's gross domestic product.</p>
<p>Lee took office in June after a snap election, which followed the fall of Yoon Suk Yeol, who imposed a short-lived martial law order that prompted troops and military helicopters to be deployed to parliament and other buildings.</p>
<p>Lee said the military's reputation had suffered an "endless decline" and called for the military to regain public trust.</p>
<p>"An army meant to protect the people must never repeat pointing its guns at them," he said.</p>
<p>($1 = 1,408.7300 won)</p>
<p>(Reporting by Ju-min Park, Heejin Kim; Editing by Tom Hogue and Michael Perry)</p>
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