South Korea is set to resume defense cost-sharing negotiations with the United States, following a phone call between acting President Han Duck-soo and U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday. The phone call, described as “amicable” by officials from the Prime Minister’s Office, addressed a wide array of topics, including trade, energy cooperation, security alliances, and North Korea policy. However, Trump raised the issue of defense cost-sharing, renewing pressure on Seoul to contribute more to the cost of maintaining U.S. troops on the Korean Peninsula.
While the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the long-standing alliance between the two countries, no specific figures were discussed during the call. Still, Trump’s post-call message on social media hinted at his intent to revisit defense burden-sharing, a key issue during his first term in office. A senior official from South Korea’s Prime Minister’s Office emphasized the country’s goal of separating defense cost discussions from trade negotiations. “We will proceed carefully, maintaining the distinction between defense and trade negotiations,” the official stated. “Our goal is to protect national interests while reinforcing the alliance.”
Experts warn that Trump’s pressure could intensify in both the economic and security realms. As a result, South Korea may need to rethink its approach to the negotiations. “Trump’s pressure will likely come from both economic and security fronts, and South Korea should offer a comprehensive package deal,” said Park Won-gon, a professor of international studies at Ewha Womans University. Park added that Trump perceives South Korea as benefiting from the U.S. economically while not contributing enough to the security costs. He argued that South Korea should propose a package that includes reducing its trade surplus while agreeing to a moderate increase in defense contributions.
The shift in the U.S.-South Korea alliance is becoming more apparent, according to Park. He explained that the U.S. may expect South Korea to take on more responsibility for conventional threats from North Korea, while American forces would increasingly focus on deterring China. This could mean that South Korea must strengthen its military capabilities, possibly through the purchase of more U.S. weapons, which would also help address trade imbalances. “South Korea should bolster its independent defense capabilities to justify a moderate increase in cost-sharing while ensuring that the demands on U.S. troop presence remain reasonable,” Park noted.
The U.S. could use the presence of American troops in South Korea as a bargaining chip. While a complete withdrawal is unlikely, the U.S. may adjust the operational roles of its forces or alter its strategic posture to pressure South Korea into committing to higher defense costs. Recent developments, such as the Senate’s confirmation of Elbridge Colby as undersecretary of defense, signal a tougher U.S. stance on China. Colby, known for criticizing the Biden administration’s “integrated deterrence” strategy, advocates for a “deterrence by denial” approach. This strategy aims to make adversaries believe that any potential attack would fail. In this framework, Colby suggests that Seoul should take full responsibility for managing conventional threats from Pyongyang, while U.S. forces focus more on regional deterrence, particularly against China.
Park added that South Korea must avoid being drawn into a confrontation over Taiwan. Instead, he suggested that Seoul focus on countering threats from North Korea to reduce the burden on U.S. forces. As the defense cost-sharing negotiations unfold, South Korea is preparing for a potentially drawn-out process. Acting President Han emphasized the importance of mutual respect and trust during the discussions. South Korea’s officials are coordinating closely with both economic and security agencies to develop a unified strategy.
Some observers caution that negotiations may drag on if Trump insists on rapid concessions from South Korea. However, experts agree that South Korea’s best approach will be to highlight its strategic importance in the region. With growing self-reliance in defense and a willingness to contribute, South Korea is in a position to negotiate carefully. By balancing its defense needs with its economic interests, Seoul aims to prevent excessive or one-sided demands from the U.S. The coming months will be critical in determining how South Korea handles this complex issue, and officials are aware that a cautious yet firm response will be essential.
