Seoul: Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back stated that the United States has consistently communicated, both at the congressional and governmental levels, that there will be no reduction in the number of U.S. troops stationed in South Korea.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Ahn made these remarks during a parliamentary session, amidst speculation about potential changes to the role and size of the 28,500-strong U.S. Forces Korea (USFK). This discussion is particularly relevant as South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and U.S. President Donald Trump prepare for their first summit talks.
Ahn emphasized that in his discussions with U.S. congressmen, senators, and the defense secretary, the message was clear that there would be no drawdown of USFK. He highlighted that a U.S. senator visiting South Korea recently reassured him that the premise of a USFK reduction is incorrect, as such a decision would require a Senate vote.
The Trump administration is focused on reshaping alliances to counter an assertive China, and potential adjustments to USFK are seen as part of efforts to achieve "strategic flexibility," which involves reorienting USFK's operations beyond the Korean Peninsula.
Under the guise of "modernizing the alliance," Washington is expected to press Seoul to increase its defense spending and assume a larger security responsibility. This may involve renegotiating the Special Measures Agreement (SMA), which outlines cost-sharing for maintaining USFK.
Ahn confirmed that the U.S. has not explicitly requested a renegotiation of the SMA. He clarified that both countries have ratified the agreement, rendering it non-negotiable at this stage, and no proposals or requests have been made by the U.S. on this matter.