S. Korea, U.S. to begin defense cost-sharing talks in near future: senior Seoul official


South Korea and the United States will likely hold talks “in the near future” about a new defense cost-sharing deal, a senior Seoul official said Wednesday, as the current six-year agreement is set to expire at the end of next year.

The move comes amid concerns that should former President Donald Trump be reelected, he could drive a hard bargain over the 12th Special Measures Agreement (SMA) for the upkeep of the 28,500-strong U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) in a way that could cause friction in the alliance.

“Usually, it takes more than a year to conclude negotiations (on a new SMA). So naturally, there should be a move sometime this year (toward negotiating a deal),” the official said in a meeting with reporters. “In the near future, South Korea and the United States will discuss the defense cost issue.”

During Trump’s presidency, the SMA negotiation was a major bone of contention as he demanded a hefty rise in South Korea’s share of the cost for the USFK. He reportedly called for a fivefold increase to US$5 bi
llion.

Since 1991, Seoul has partially shouldered costs under the SMA for Korean USFK workers; the construction of military installations, such as barracks, and training, educational, operational and communications facilities; and other logistical support.

In the press meeting, the official also commented on a news report that South Korea’s top nuclear envoy, Kim Gunn, resigned to join the ruling People Power Party just weeks ahead of the April parliamentary elections.

His surprise departure raised concerns that it could undermine Seoul’s policy on North Korea and its coordination with his counterparts in the U.S. and other countries.

“It was a personal choice and it would have little effect (on policy implementation),” the official said.

He also noted that First Vice Foreign Minister Kim Hong-kyun has experience as Seoul’s top nuclear envoy.

“So there isn’t any big problem if we transition to an interim system,” he said.

Source: Yonhap News Agency