President Yoon Suk Yeol made a commitment to strengthen South Korea's joint defense readiness with the United States in order to deter the increasing threats posed by North Korea. During his visit to the Indo-Pacific Command in Hawaii, he emphasized the significance of a steadfast combined defense readiness in response to North Korea's evolving nuclear and missile capabilities and continued provocations. Yoon also stressed the importance of cooperation among allies and partners to address the growing security threats posed by North Korea, particularly after its recent mutual defense treaty with Russia. This visit by President Yoon marks the first by a South Korean president to the command in 29 years and the first since it was renamed the Indo-Pacific Command in 2018. Yoon also expressed gratitude to approximately 200 military personnel at the command for their service and delivered a speech highlighting the need to further strengthen the South Korea-US alliance and the combined defense posture in light of the grave security situation on the Korean Peninsula. Additionally, South Korea's participation in the Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC), a US-led joint maritime exercise, was noted, with the country sending personnel and naval assets for the drills. Later, Yoon will travel to Washington to attend a North Atlantic Treaty Organization summit.