Did Seoul Hold Talks with the US on USFK Troop Reduction?
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Synopsis
As tensions rise, South Korea's defense ministry confirms that no talks have occurred with the Pentagon regarding troop reductions. This statement follows a report suggesting potential cuts to US Forces Korea. The USFK plays a crucial role in maintaining peace on the Korean Peninsula, and any changes must involve careful bilateral consultation.
Key Takeaways
- The South Korean defense ministry has not discussed USFK troop reductions with the Pentagon.
- USFK is vital for maintaining peace and stability in the region.
- Any troop changes require bilateral consultations between the US and South Korea.
- The recent Special Measures Agreement outlines financial contributions for USFK maintenance.
- The USFK troop level has remained consistent at 28,500 since 2008.
Seoul, May 23 (NationPress) The defense ministry of South Korea announced on Friday that there have been no discussions with the Pentagon regarding the potential reduction of US Forces Korea (USFK) troops stationed within South Korean borders.
This statement was made following a report by The Wall Street Journal, which claimed that the administration of US President Donald Trump is contemplating the withdrawal of approximately 4,500 troops from the existing 28,500 USFK personnel, with possible relocation to other areas in the Indo-Pacific, such as Guam.
The ministry emphasized, "As the fundamental strength of the South Korea-US alliance, the USFK, together with our military, has played a critical role in ensuring peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula by sustaining a robust combined defense posture and deterring any invasion or provocations from North Korea."
"We will continue to work closely with the US to maintain this direction," they added.
A spokesperson from the Pentagon stated that there are no new policy announcements regarding any potential reduction of USFK forces, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
An official from the defense ministry also stressed that any potential troop reduction needs to be addressed through consultations between the allies.
"Changes to the USFK troop presence necessitate bilateral discussions, grounded in the spirit of the South Korea-US alliance and mutual respect," the official explained to reporters, adding that such plans must follow certain processes, including the Security Consultative Meeting (SCM) and the Military Committee Meeting (MCM).
The SCM is an annual gathering of defense leaders from both nations, while the MCM pertains to yearly discussions between military chiefs.
In October, Seoul and Washington finalized the latest iteration of the five-year Special Measures Agreement (SMA), which is set to last until 2030. Under this agreement, Seoul is scheduled to pay 1.52 trillion won (approximately $1.1 billion) for the maintenance of USFK next year, marking an increase of 8.3 percent from 2025.
However, Trump previously referred to South Korea as a "money machine," suggesting that if he were in office, Seoul could be paying up to $10 billion annually for the USFK presence.
Since 2008, the USFK has consistently maintained its troop strength at 28,500 on the Korean Peninsula, comprising various components of the Eighth Army, Seventh Air Force, US Naval Forces Korea, US Marine Corps Forces Korea, and the US Special Operations Command Korea.
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize the significance of the USFK in South Korea, not only as a military presence but as a cornerstone of regional security. The absence of discussions about troop reductions reflects a commitment to maintaining this alliance, which is vital for the stability of the Korean Peninsula. Our stance remains aligned with the nation’s interests, advocating for robust defense cooperation.
NationPress
27/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is USFK?
USFK stands for United States Forces Korea, which is the combined military presence of the United States in South Korea, contributing to regional security.
Why is the USFK important?
USFK plays a critical role in maintaining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and deterring provocations from North Korea.
What is the Special Measures Agreement (SMA)?
The Special Measures Agreement is a financial arrangement between South Korea and the US, outlining the costs associated with the US military presence in South Korea.
What could a troop reduction mean for South Korea?
A reduction in USFK troops could impact regional security dynamics and the deterrent stance against North Korea, necessitating careful bilateral discussions.
What are the SCM and MCM?
The Security Consultative Meeting (SCM) and Military Committee Meeting (MCM) are annual meetings where defense and military leaders from South Korea and the US discuss cooperation and strategy.
