The presidential office says a new timetable for the stalled joint military exercises between South Korea and the U.S. will be announced through the allies’ consultations. 

Presidential Chief of Staff Im Jong-seok gave the update during a National Assembly’s House Steering Committee  meeting on Wednesday, when asked by Representative Kim Sung-tae of the major opposition Liberty Korea Party what Seoul’s official stance was on the resumption of the joint drills. 

Im reiterated the coordinated stance between Seoul and Washington to postpone the exercises until after the PyeongChang Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games end. He added that after the sporting events wrap up, the two sides will hold consultations and an update will be made. 

Asked about Seoul’s stance on growing trade pressure from the U.S., Im said the government is seeking to actively deal with the situation with national economic interests in mind. He clarified, however, that the issue is separate from national security, over which Seoul will continue to cooperate with Washington.