South Korean Nominee Denies US Troop Withdrawal
(MENAFN) South Korea’s nominee for foreign minister, Cho Hyun, clarified that there have been no talks regarding a reduction or pullout of American troops stationed in the country.
In a written statement submitted to the parliamentary Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee ahead of his confirmation hearing on Thursday, a news agency reported that Cho firmly dismissed any such discussions.
These comments come in response to ongoing speculation that the administration of President Donald Trump could have considered decreasing the presence of the approximately 28,500-strong US Forces Korea (USFK) or altering their mission to emphasize countering threats from China.
"There have not been any issues discussed at all," Cho stated unequivocally.
He also emphasized, "The need to retain the USFK at its current level is being widely recognized in the US Congress and academic circles," suggesting that bipartisan support and expert consensus in the United States favor the continued presence of these forces.
Addressing Washington’s increasing demands for greater financial contributions from Seoul toward the costs of stationing the USFK, Cho reaffirmed South Korea’s position.
He noted that the five-year Special Measures Agreement (SMA), finalized last year, should not be subject to renegotiation.
In line with the 12th SMA, South Korea has committed to contributing $1.1 billion in 2026 for the support of USFK.
This agreement was established during the Biden administration and will govern defense cost-sharing through the year 2030.
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