The United States Forces Korea (USFK) has firmly dismissed a report suggesting that the Trump administration is considering a partial withdrawal of the 28,500 troops stationed in South Korea.
In a statement released on Friday, USFK reaffirmed its commitment to the defense of the Republic of Korea (ROK), stating, “The US remains firmly committed to the defense of the ROK and we look forward to working with the incoming government officials to maintain and strengthen our ironclad alliance.”
This response came after The Wall Street Journal reported earlier that the Trump administration was weighing a reduction of approximately 4,500 troops, which constitutes about 15 percent of the USFK, potentially relocating them to other areas in the Indo-Pacific, including Guam.
The report heightened security concerns in South Korea, amid ongoing tensions linked to North Korea’s advancing nuclear weapons program.
In reaction to the report, South Korea’s Ministry of National Defense stated that there had been no recent discussions with the US government regarding a withdrawal of US forces.
“There were no discussions held between South Korea and the US over the issue of withdrawal of USFK,” the ministry clarified.
The ministry further emphasized the significance of USFK as a critical component of the South Korea-US alliance, asserting that it plays a vital role in maintaining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.
It added, “The USFK, as the core strength of the South Korea-US alliance, has contributed to the peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula and in the region by maintaining a firm combined defense posture and deterring North Korea’s invasion and provocation, alongside our military.”
An official from Seoul’s Foreign Ministry also reiterated the Defense Ministry’s statements, highlighting that the USFK serves as the backbone and symbol of the South Korea-US alliance, deterring threats from North Korea and supporting regional peace and security.
The official underscored the “negative views” expressed by US Indo-Pacific Command Commander Adm. Samuel Paparo Jr. and USFK Commander Gen. Xavier Brunson towards the potential scaling back of US troops in South Korea.
“Recently, the US Indo-Pacific Command commander and the USFK commander have stressed the importance of the role of the USFK and expressed negative views on a possible withdrawal or reduction,” the official explained.
Additionally, the official pointed out that the US National Defense Authorization Act has continually emphasized the necessity of maintaining current USFK troop levels.
This latest report emerges as South Korea approaches a snap presidential election, scheduled for June 3, triggered by the impeachment and subsequent removal from office of former President Yoon Suk Yeol.
The troops’ potential withdrawal has raised apprehensions in the political arena, with People Power Party presidential candidate Kim Moon-soo expressing concerns over rival Democratic Party of Korea candidate Lee Jae-myung’s previous comments that have disparaged the USFK.
In a social media post, Kim noted, “Candidate Lee Jae-myung in the past, undermined the USFK by calling them an occupying force and labeling the combined military exercises among South Korea, US and Japan as an extreme pro-Japanese act.”
He added that fears are mounting among citizens regarding the possible withdrawal of US troops if Lee secures the presidency, urging Lee to apologize for his previous remarks about the USFK and clarify his stance on the South Korea-US alliance.
Minor conservative New Reform Party candidate Lee Jun-seok commented on the matter, stating that South Korea should “be confident” while addressing issues concerning the USFK.
After attending a memorial service in honor of late President Roh Moo-hyun, he stated, “The USFK is stationed here due to the US’ strategic understanding — South Korea must come up with the best outcome for our people by strengthening our own defense capabilities on one side and convincing the US that we can cooperate for the benefit of the US’ security.”
Although Lee has yet to release a formal statement on this issue, Democratic Party’s chief spokesperson Cho Seung-rae acknowledged the role of the USFK in safeguarding peace in Northeast Asia and the Indo-Pacific while deterrence against North Korean threats.
Following the memorial service, Cho asserted, “It’s a topic that should be calmly discussed (between Seoul and Washington) based on the value we share in our alliance.”
He emphasized that both ruling and opposition perspectives on the USFK’s role align, stating, “From the perspective of the South Korea-US alliance, the role of the USFK, which deters threats from North Korea and contributes to peace in Northeast Asia and the Indo-Pacific region, is clear.”
In light of these discussions, the unwavering presence of US troops in South Korea remains a topic of critical geopolitical significance, underscoring the delicate balance of power in the region.
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