US Defense Secretary Hegseth Visits South Korea for Alliance Talks, DMZ Joint Security Area Tour

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth arrived in South Korea for a two-day visit focused on strategic talks with South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back, including the annual Security Consultative Meeting to strengthen the U.S.-South Korea military alliance and discuss responses to North Korean threats. The discussions will likely address potential adjustments in the role of the 28,500 U.S. troops stationed in South Korea, with Washington considering allowing these forces more flexibility to operate beyond the Korean Peninsula in response to broader regional security challenges, including tensions involving China and Taiwan. Hegseth and Ahn are also scheduled to visit the Joint Security Area within the Demilitarized Zone, marking the first such joint visit by defense leaders since 2017, to meet troops and take stock of the frontline security situation. South Korea remains cautious about changing the current U.S. troop mission but is enhancing its own defense capacity and plans to significantly increase its defense budget in 2026, partly in response to President Trump's demands for allies to contribute more financially. North Korea continues to escalate tensions by expanding its nuclear and missile programs while rejecting diplomatic engagement. This visit underscores ongoing efforts to maintain regional stability amid evolving security dynamics in Northeast Asia.