South Korea and the United States have not discussed reducing U.S. troop presence in the country, despite reports suggesting otherwise. The issue is reportedly linked with defense cost negotiations and ongoing trade discussions.

South Korea's defence ministry said on Friday that Seoul and Washington had not had discussions about the withdrawal of some U.S. troops stationed in the country. The ministry made the comment in response to a report by the Wall Street Journal that said the U.

South Korea’s military firmly denied that any discussions have taken place with the United States regarding a potential withdrawal of American troops from the peninsula, following a media report suggesting the White House was considering such a move.