Seoul: The United States’ reported contemplation of reducing U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) troops is raising concerns in South Korea, as such a move could impact deterrence against North Korea and signal a reduced security commitment to the region.
According to Yonhap News Agency, President Donald Trump’s administration is considering withdrawing approximately 4,500 troops from the 28,500-strong USFK, potentially relocating them to other locations in the Indo-Pacific, such as Guam. This proposal comes as the Pentagon seeks to rebalance military assets in the region to optimize deterrence against China, amid Trump’s view that South Korea is not adequately compensating the U.S. for its military protection.
The issue is expected to be a significant topic for the upcoming South Korean government after the June 3 presidential election, following the ouster of former President Yoon Suk Yeol. The proposed troop reduction aligns with Trump’s reported strategy to prioritize defending the U.S. homeland and countering Chin
a’s potential invasion of Taiwan, while expecting regional allies to manage threats from North Korea and Russia.
Observers are not entirely surprised by the reduction proposal, given Trump’s past remarks on the USFK presence and his “America First” agenda, which speculated a scaling back of U.S. military involvement overseas. In April, Trump had suggested the U.S. might withdraw troops from South Korea if the ally did not increase its financial support for USFK, citing the precarious position of U.S. forces in Korea.
South Korean policymakers are concerned that the reduction could herald a shift in the alliance driven by Washington’s focus on countering Chinese threats. The proposal also raises questions about the U.S.’s ability to unilaterally reduce troops due to the National Defense Authorization Act, which mandates maintaining current USFK troop levels.
South Korea’s defense ministry stated that no discussions have occurred between Seoul and Washington regarding the troop withdrawal. The ministry empha
sized the USFK’s role in maintaining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and deterring North Korean aggression.
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has tasked Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby with crafting the 2025 National Defense Strategy to prioritize deterring Chinese threats and increasing burden-sharing with allies. The ongoing strategy work has sparked speculation about a shift in the USFK mission and force structure.
Bruce Bennett warned that the potential reduction could signal to both South and North Korea that the U.S. perceives Korea as less important. He argued that U.S. forces in Korea are strategically positioned to address threats from both North Korea and China, and their removal would be detrimental to U.S. interests.
Bennett also cautioned against withdrawing key U.S. assets from Korea, highlighting their importance in potential China-related contingencies. During a Senate hearing, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Commander Adm. Samuel Paparo Jr. and USFK Commander Gen
. Xavier Brunson expressed concerns over the troop reduction, citing an increased likelihood of a North Korean invasion and the importance of maintaining USFK troops to deter regional threats.
In the past, the U.S. and South Korea had agreed to reduce USFK troop numbers for “strategic mobility,” but later decided to maintain the current level of 28,500. The latest proposal raises important questions about the future of the U.S.-South Korea alliance and regional security dynamics.