Concerns are growing in South Korea after U.S. President Donald Trump raised the possibility of reducing American troops stationed in Germany, with some fearing the move could extend to U.S. Forces Korea (USFK). Given that Trump has consistently pushed for the realignment of U.S. troops stationed overseas, there is concern that his latest remarks could affect USFK as well. The Presidential Office said it is "working closely with the U.S. side to ensure that USFK can contribute to a firm combined South Korea-U.S. defense posture under stable stationing."
According to diplomatic sources on the 30th, after Trump said on Truth Social on the 29th (local time) that "a decision on reducing U.S. troops in Germany will be made soon," the Korean government is closely monitoring the potential impact on USFK. Trump's remarks appear to be linked to Germany's passive stance during the recent Iran war, as he has previously raised similar complaints about South Korea.
On the 1st (local time), Trump took direct aim at South Korea, saying, "We have 45,000 soldiers (an exaggeration of the actual USFK figure of about 28,000) in a harsh region, right next to nuclear forces (North Korea), and (South Korea) has not been helpful to us." On the 6th, he again voiced dissatisfaction, pointing to South Korea, Japan, and Australia, saying, "We have not received help."
Inside and outside the government, there are concerns that Trump's remarks could mark the beginning of a global-scale U.S. troop realignment, including USFK. Trump has been highlighting the argument of allies' free-riding on security since his first administration, and this time he could take action, such as actual force realignment or pressure for increased defense cost sharing, by taking issue with allies' passive attitudes.
However, counterarguments are being raised that the U.S. has little incentive to reduce forces given that USFK effectively carries out the mission of deterring China. Kim Yeol-soo, head of the Security Strategy Office at the Korea Institute for Military Affairs, said, "Looking at the U.S. National Defense Strategy (NDS), while the U.S. is no longer paying much attention to Europe, there is strong sentiment for deterrence against China's rise as a hegemonic power in the Indo-Pacific region." He added, "Reducing USFK would ultimately amount to damaging U.S. interests. There may be fine-tuning, but USFK will not be reduced by thousands."
Meanwhile, regarding Trump's remarks, the Presidential Office said, "The government is paying attention to the review of global U.S. force posture and the possibility of changes," adding, "We are working closely with the U.S. side to ensure that USFK can contribute to a firm combined South Korea-U.S. defense posture under stable stationing." The Defense Ministry said, "There have been no discussions whatsoever between South Korea and the U.S. on reducing USFK."
