Seoul: The US and South Korean militaries have decided to postpone the announcement of the date for their major springtime exercise due to differences regarding the scale of on-field drills, as reported by Yonhap News.

According to Anadolu Agency, the two militaries had initially planned to hold a joint press briefing on Wednesday to announce the date. However, the briefing was postponed after the US military showed reluctance toward Seoul's proposal to reduce field training during the Freedom Shield exercise. This exercise is conducted every spring under an all-out war scenario to enhance readiness against North Korea's nuclear and weapons programs.

President Lee Jae Myung's administration is reportedly seeking to scale back the allies' on-field drills as a reconciliatory gesture toward Pyongyang, which has consistently criticized these exercises as preparations for an invasion. The postponement of the announcement is attributed to coordination issues over the extent of on-field exercises, as South Korea aims to minimize them.

Despite South Korea's proposal, the US military has reportedly disapproved, given that additional troops and equipment have already been deployed in the country for the drills. Both sides plan to continue their coordination efforts and aim to announce the exercise later this month or in early March.

According to Seoul's Defense Ministry, the Freedom Shield exercise, scheduled for March, "will take place normally."