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Seoul news
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The gist
U.S. and South Korea halve joint military drills as Trump seeks Kim summit.
The move unsettles a 70-year alliance and raises questions about regional security.
Background
The U.S. and South Korea have conducted annual joint military exercises for decades, which North Korea views as provocative. President Trump has been pursuing closer ties with North Korea's Kim Jong Un, and his decision to reduce the drills is seen as part of that outreach, but it has caused concern in Seoul and among U.S. lawmakers.
How it unfolded
- Aug 16, 2026President Trump announced he has directed the Pentagon to scale down joint military exercises with South Korea, citing Seoul's refusal to join the war in Iran and his 'very good' relationship with Kim Jong Un.
- Aug 17, 2026South Korea's Yonhap news agency reported that the presidential office expects friendly relations between North Korean and U.S. leaders to lead to peace talks. Meanwhile, a top Democrat called the move 'inane' and 'shortsighted.'
- Aug 18, 2026South Korean President Lee Jae Myung stressed the importance of the U.S. alliance during a cabinet meeting, as many in Seoul were baffled by Trump's order.
- Aug 19, 2026South Korea's military confirmed it would cut the annual joint exercise by about half, with the planned Ulchi Freedom Shield training to include 18,000 South Korean troops.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- South Korea's presidential office said it expects friendly relations between North Korean and U.S. leaders to lead to meaningful talks and peace on the Korean Peninsula.
- Caution
- A top Democrat called Trump's move 'inane' and 'shortsighted,' warning it could strengthen Russia's hand in Ukraine.
- Public
- Members of Solidarity for Peace, Sovereignty and Reunification protested outside the U.S. Embassy in Seoul, arguing the drills could escalate tensions and risk nuclear war.
Still unverified
Trump's claim that Seoul refused to join the war in Iran has not been independently confirmed; South Korea has not yet responded to this specific claim.