Seoul: South Korea and the United States are not engaged in discussions regarding the reduction of the 28,500 U.S. forces stationed in Korea, a South Korean defense ministry official announced. This statement follows U.S. President Donald Trump's indication that his administration is considering a potential decrease in American troops stationed in Germany.
According to Yonhap News Agency, President Trump recently mentioned via social media that the United States is "studying and reviewing" the possibility of reducing its troop presence in Germany, with a decision anticipated in the near future. This consideration follows a report by the Wall Street Journal suggesting that Washington may be contemplating punitive measures against some NATO allies who declined his request for naval assistance in securing the Strait of Hormuz amidst the ongoing U.S.-Iran tensions.
"There have been no discussions at all between South Korea and the United States on the reduction of the U.S. Forces Korea (USFK)," stated a ministry official. The official emphasized that the primary mission of the USFK remains to maintain a strong combined defense posture with the South Korean military to deter and respond to possible North Korean aggression and provocations.
The official further commented, "South Korea and the U.S. will continue to consult closely to ensure the stable stationing of the USFK and strengthen their combined defense posture."
Presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung, during a separate press briefing, reinforced the defense ministry's position, stating that no discussions are taking place between Seoul and Washington concerning the reduction or withdrawal of U.S. forces stationed in South Korea. "The government is closely cooperating with the U.S. military to ensure the stable stationing of the USFK and its contribution to a solid combined defense posture between South Korea and the U.S.," she affirmed.
Despite the denial of current discussions, the potential for a U.S. troop drawdown in South Korea persists as the Trump administration seeks to "modernize" alliances, urging allies to assume greater responsibility for their defense. Observers express concerns that this U.S. strategy could lead to changes in the USFK's posture, potentially impacting deterrence against evolving North Korean threats.
USFK Commander Gen. Xavier Brunson, in a Senate hearing last week, underscored that the importance of troop presence should be evaluated more on capabilities rather than sheer numbers. Brunson also highlighted the USFK's broader regional role beyond the Korean Peninsula, aligning with U.S. efforts to ensure greater operational flexibility in the Indo-Pacific region, primarily aimed at deterring China's assertive military activities.