Seoul: South Korea’s foreign ministry announced that the country has successfully negotiated a five-year Special Measures Agreement (SMA) with the United States concerning the financial responsibilities associated with maintaining approximately 28,500 U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) personnel stationed in South Korea.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the newly established agreement stipulates that South Korea will contribute 1.52 trillion won (approximately US$1.14 billion) in 2026, representing an 8.3 percent increase compared to the previous year’s obligations. From the year 2027 onwards, any further increases in South Korea’s financial contributions will correlate with the consumer price growth rate of the preceding year, with a maximum allowable increase rate capped at 5 percent.

This development marks a significant step in the ongoing diplomatic and military collaboration between South Korea and the United States. The agreement underscores both nations’ commitment to maintaining a robust defense posture on the Korean Peninsula amidst ongoing regional security challenges.