U.S. military official visited Seoul, South Korea this week as pressure grows between Washington and Seoul over how much South Korea should pay to support American troops stationed in the country.
General Charles Q. Brown Jr., Chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, arrived in Seoul on July 2, 2025, for talks with South Korean defense officials. His visit comes at a time when the two allies are negotiating a new defense cost-sharing agreement, which has become a sensitive issue in recent years.
What Did Brown Say in Seoul?
In his meeting with South Korean Defense Minister Shin Won-sik, General Brown emphasized the importance of strong U.S.-Korea military ties and cooperation in facing regional threats, especially from North Korea He thanked South Korea for its support but also mentioned the need for “equitable burden-sharing.”
Neither side gave exact figures, but local media reported that the U.S. is asking for a multi-billion dollar increase over the next few years, citing rising operational and deterrence costs.
Brown did not speak publicly about the exact demands, but a joint statement released after the meeting said both nations would “work toward a fair and balanced agreement” to strengthen the alliance.
Rising Threats from North Korea
While discussions about money continue, so do security challenges. North Korea has recently carried out several weapons tests, including ballistic missile launches that drew sharp criticism from both Seoul and Washington. General Brown warned that the threat from Pyongyang remains serious and that the U.S. is committed to defending South Korea under the alliance treaty.
During the visit, Brown also inspected U.S. military bases in South Korea and met with American troops stationed there. He praised their service and said the U.S. remains fully committed to peace and security on the Korean Peninsula.
Defense Spending Becomes a Hot Topic in USA
The issue of defense cost-sharing has long been controversial in South Korea. Some political leaders argue that the U.S. military presence is important for national security and regional stability, while others believe South Korea is already contributing enough.
Special Measures Agreement (SMA) will expire early next year. If negotiators fail to sign a new deal soon, the delay could disrupt logistics, hinder military operations, and jeopardize future joint exercises. Tensions have escalated as the United States expands its military commitments across the globe bolstering support for Ukraine and intensifying its focus on the Indo-Pacific region, where both China and North Korea increasingly pose strategic threats.
