(LEAD) S. Korea's military seeks 8.4 pct hike in 2018 budget

(ATTN: UPDATES with details from 5th para; ADDS photo)

SEOUL, June 8 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's defense ministry said Thursday it has requested a record budget of 43.7 trillion won (US$38.7 billion) for next year, citing growing threats from North Korea