US President Donald Trump has instructed the Pentagon to substantially reduce joint military exercises with South Korea, citing concerns about their cost and regional impact.
Trump made the announcement on Sunday through Truth Social, shortly before the annual exercises were scheduled to begin.
He said it was too late to cancel the drills entirely but expressed dissatisfaction with the United States’ participation.
The Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises will run from August 17 to 27 and involve around 18,000 South Korean troops.
Officials said the drills will include operations against drones, GPS disruptions and cyberattacks to address North Korea’s evolving military capabilities.
Trump Cites North Korea and Iran
Trump said the exercises sent an inappropriate and hostile signal toward North Korea despite his positive relationship with leader Kim Jong Un.
He also criticised Seoul for declining to participate in US efforts concerning Iran’s denuclearisation.
Trump said he had recently asked South Korea’s president whether Seoul wanted to join the effort against Iran.
However, Trump said the South Korean president declined the proposal.
The White House and Pentagon did not immediately respond to requests for additional details about Trump’s directive.
Meanwhile, Pyongyang routinely condemns US-South Korean military exercises as preparations for a potential invasion.
North Korea recently launched a ballistic missile toward the Sea of Japan, according to South Korean and Japanese military officials.
The launch followed another short-range ballistic missile test on August 6.
US officials have also warned that North Korean troops fighting alongside Russia in Ukraine have gained battlefield experience.
They said those forces have developed greater exposure to unmanned systems, electronic warfare and cyber operations.
The latest dispute could affect the future scale and structure of US-South Korean military cooperation.
