Merz says North Korea threatens European freedom as Seoul visit yields security pact

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz told reporters in Seoul on Thursday that North Korea was threatening "freedom throughout Europe" by sending soldiers to fight for Russia in Ukraine, drawing a direct line between the Korean peninsula's security and Europe's own.

Merz made the statement after meeting South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, noting that Russia in turn supplies weapons to North Korea. "Korea's security affects Europe's security. And Europe's security also affects Korea's security," he said.

South Korean intelligence services estimate that North Korea has sent approximately 15,000 soldiers to fight alongside Russian forces. Pyongyang has also provided Moscow with artillery ammunition and missiles; in exchange, Russia provides financial backing, military technology and security guarantees to North Korea.

North Korea fired about 10 short-range ballistic missiles toward the Sea of Japan shortly before Merz's arrival in Seoul on Thursday, according to the South Korean military.

The two leaders agreed to elevate bilateral ties to an "enhanced strategic partnership," Yoon said. Their joint commitments include deepened cooperation on the economy, energy, security and high-tech industries, as well as joint military exercises and intelligence sharing. Yoon also asked Merz to back favourable treatment for South Korea under the EU's Industrial Accelerator Act.

Merz is expected to conclude his South Korea visit with a trip to the Demilitarized Zone on Friday.