Seoul: U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) Commander Gen. Xavier Brunson visited the defense ministry Tuesday for a meeting with Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back. This meeting follows U.S. President Donald Trump's directive to scale down a regular combined military exercise with South Korea. Brunson was spotted by some reporters entering and later leaving the ministry headquarters in Yongsan, central Seoul.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the visit by Gen. Brunson highlights ongoing military cooperation adjustments between the U.S. and South Korea amidst changing directives from the U.S. administration. The meeting's details have not been disclosed, and it remains unclear how the reduction in joint exercises might impact the military readiness of both nations.
In related news, Seoul shares ended a five-day winning streak on Tuesday, as profit-taking on large-cap stocks contributed to a decline in the market. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) fell 108.11 points, closing at 6,869.83. The market's downturn coincided with diminishing hopes for a resolution to the conflict between Iran and the United States, despite the Korean won gaining strength against the U.S. dollar.
Furthermore, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is set to visit South Korea this week. This visit comes after President Lee Jae Myung's proposal for multiparty talks to formally end the Korean War (1950-53). During his two-day visit starting Wednesday, Wang will engage in discussions with Foreign Minister Cho Hyun, focusing on bilateral relations and regional issues, as stated by the foreign ministry.
In domestic developments, Justice Minister Jung Sung-ho submitted his resignation letter on Tuesday following the passage of a prosecution reform bill. Citing health issues and the need for new leadership to oversee the transition to a new criminal justice system, Jung's resignation marks a significant political shift. The bill aims to remove investigative authority from prosecutors, paving the way for a new agency dedicated to major crime investigations.
The Serious Crimes Investigation Agency (SCIA), set to launch in October, will comprise 2,874 personnel. The interior ministry announced that decrees outlining the agency's operational standards were approved at a Cabinet meeting. This reform is part of efforts to redefine the prosecution's role and enhance the investigation of major crimes.