US Troop Withdrawal from South Korea: No Talks Held, Says Seoul

Amidst reports of potential troop reductions, South Korea's defense ministry clarifies that no discussions have taken place with the United States regarding a withdrawal.

SEOUL: South Korea's defence ministry announced on Friday, May 23rd, that no discussions had been held with Washington concerning the withdrawal of US troops currently stationed in the country.

This statement was made in response to a Wall Street Journal report suggesting the US was considering removing approximately 4,500 troops from South Korea. The report indicated that one potential option under consideration was relocating some troops to other locations within the Indo-Pacific region, including Guam, citing unnamed US military officials.

Currently, there are 28,500 US troops stationed in South Korea.

The South Korean defence ministry emphasized that it would continue its cooperation with the United States to maintain a robust combined defence posture aimed at deterring North Korea, according to an official statement.

South Korean media later reported that Sean Parnell, the US Defense Department chief spokesperson, had denied the report.

Furthermore, the Chosun Ilbo newspaper and Yonhap news agency reported that the United States was prepared to work with the incoming Seoul government to strengthen their alliance.

Seoul and Washington previously agreed on a five-year plan for defence cost sharing last year, however, US President Donald Trump has indicated that the financial aspect of the US military presence could be revisited during ongoing trade negotiations with Seoul.

South Korean officials have maintained that defence costs are separate from the trade discussions.

South Korea is scheduled to elect a new president in a snap election on June 3rd. The election follows the removal of the conservative Yoon Suk Yeol after his failed attempt at declaring martial law in December.