South Korea Confirms No Talks With US On Troop Withdrawal

Multiple reports have emerged that the U.S. government is considering relocating approximately 4,500 of the 28,500 American troops stationed in South Korea to other Indo-Pacific locations such as Guam as part of a broader strategic review. However, South Korea's defense ministry has firmly stated that no discussions have taken place with Washington regarding any troop withdrawal or reduction. The South Korean government emphasized the importance of the U.S. military presence in maintaining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and reiterated its commitment to continue close cooperation with the United States to deter North Korean aggression. The consideration of relocating troops comes amid ongoing debates over defense cost-sharing between South Korea and the U.S., with Seoul recently agreeing to increase its financial contribution. The Pentagon has not made any official announcements, and the proposal reportedly has not been formally presented to President Trump. This issue also intersects with broader geopolitical concerns in the region and the upcoming South Korean presidential election.