US Plans Flexible Troop Use In South Korea

The United States has signalled a shift toward greater troop flexibility in South Korea, with Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth stating that American forces stationed there could be deployed in regional conflicts beyond the Korean Peninsula.

During his visit to South Korea on Tuesday, which included a trip to the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ), Hegseth reaffirmed that protecting against North Korea remains the alliance’s top priority but acknowledged the evolving regional security landscape.

“There’s no doubt that flexibility for regional contingency is something we would take a look at,” Hegseth said while standing alongside South Korean Defence Minister Ahn Gyu-back.

Hegseth noted that the 28,500 US troops based in South Korea might be used in broader regional conflicts, including potential tensions involving China.

US officials have previously indicated an intent to make their forces more adaptable to address emerging challenges, such as the defence of Taiwan and countering China’s expanding military presence.

While South Korea has resisted the idea of altering the role of US troops, it continues to enhance its own defence capabilities with the long-term goal of assuming wartime operational control over combined forces.

Hegseth also confirmed that both sides are working on a joint communique expected to outline defence costs and cooperation initiatives.

Meanwhile, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, in his parliamentary address on Tuesday, announced a significant 8.2% rise in the country’s defence budget to 66.3 trillion won ($46 billion), marking its largest increase in six years.

Lee said the country will also triple spending on artificial intelligence, allocating 10.1 trillion won ($7 billion) to drive “a major transformation aimed at propelling South Korea into the ranks of the world’s top three AI powers” alongside the United States and China.

The overall budget plan totals 728 trillion won ($510 billion), an 8.1% increase from the previous year.

Hegseth added that the two nations have agreed to allow South Korea to maintain and repair US naval ships locally, enhancing regional readiness.

He also indicated that President Donald Trump supports South Korea’s ambition to develop nuclear-powered submarines, although he did not provide further details.

South Korea has previously stated that it could launch a nuclear-powered submarine by the mid-2030s if supplied with nuclear fuel from the United States.