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Conversation: South Korea to spend 3.5% of GDP on defense 'as soon as possible' NHK

A: Hey there! Did you catch up on the news recently?

B: Not really, what's new?

A: South Korea is planning to boost their defense spending as soon as possible!

B: No way, that sounds serious. What does it mean exactly?

A: They're aiming to raise the budget to 3.5% of their GDP, currently it's around 2.3%. And get this, they want to spend about 8% more each year!

B: Whoa, that's a big increase! I guess they're trying to modernize their alliance with the U.S., right?

A: Exactly! Plus, they're planning to spend 25 billion dollars on US military equipment and provide 33 billion dollars in support to US forces here in Korea.

B: That's a lot of money! I wonder why they need so much help. Are other countries doing the same?

A: Yeah, some European and Asian governments are increasing their defense budgets too because Trump says they don't spend enough. Seems like everyone is playing it safe these days.
Summary
South Korea aims to increase defense spending from current 2.3% of GDP to 3.5%, with an annual increment of about 8%. This includes a $25 billion investment in US military equipment and $33 billion in support for US forces stationed in Korea. The move is likely to modernize their alliance with the
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ID: 258e8945-1521-49e5-9977-68dc6cf48773

Category ID: conversation_summary

URL: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20251115_01/#conversation

Date: Nov. 15, 2025

Notes: 2025-11-15

Created: 2025/11/16 18:40

Updated: 2025/12/07 22:01

Last Read: 2025/11/16 20:51