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US Forces Korea (USFK)

US Forces Korea (USFK)
The latest news and top stories on US Forces Korea. A prominent South Korea based military command, US Forces Korea (USFK) is dedicated to deterring aggression and defending the Republic of Korea, maintaining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. Its main areas of focus include coordinating US component commands, training forces and supporting the US-ROK alliance. Headquartered at Camp Humphreys, Pyeongtaek, USFK is a sub-unified command of US Indo-Pacific Command, recognised as a cornerstone of regional security.
US Army’s soldiers conduct a training exercise on a river in Yeoncheon, South Korea, on Tuesday. Photo: AP
South Korea

US, South Korea slash joint military drills by half as Trump eyes Kim summit

The allies will complete the first, defensive phase and cancel next week’s counter-attack phase.

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South Korea

South Korea almost shoots down US Marine drone after communication failure

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South Korea

US general’s ‘dagger’ remark tests South Korea’s China balancing act

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US-China relations

Hegseth at Asia defence gathering, China-EU tensions, Computex

This week: US allies wait to hear from Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth in Singapore, EU works on China trade measures and Huawei announces chip advance. Next week: Computex is held in Taiwan, China reveals PMI, UK foreign minister visits Beijing, and more.

US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth. Photo: AFP
US-China relations

China slams US commander’s ‘dagger’ label for South Korea

Chinese embassy in Seoul says US Forces Korea commander Xavier Brunson’s ‘hostile and aggressive remarks’ on podcast ‘crossed the line’.

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South Korea

South Korea signals ‘phased’ support for US-led Hormuz mission after ship attack

Defence Minister Ahn said the support could include political backing, personnel dispatches and sharing of information and military assets.

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South Korea

Why South Korea’s Lee is urging ‘mutual respect’ diplomacy amid US tensions

The president’s remarks and emphasis on a self-reliant defence posture may signal Seoul’s efforts to diversify its global partners, analysts say.

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President Lee Jae Myung speaks during a Cabinet meeting at the presidential office Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul, South Korea, on Tuesday. Photo: EPA/Yonhap
South Korea

South Korean police seek arrest warrant for Hybe’s Bang after travel request

The US embassy in Seoul reportedly asked authorities to allow Bang to travel while under investigation for fraudulent stock trading.

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US-China relations

What is US telling Pacific allies by moving missiles to use in the Iran war?

Deploying US missiles to the Middle East ‘reinforces Beijing’s assessment that time and industrial scale favour China’, analyst says.

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US-China relations

The US is shifting THAAD to the Middle East. What does that mean for China?

Analysts warn of a regional capability gap in the wake of US redeployment of anti-missile system to the Middle East.

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A THAAD missile defense launcher sits at a US military base in Seongju, South Korea, on March 5. Photo: AFP
North Korea

North Korea launches 10 missiles as South Korea, US conduct military exercises

North Korean leader’s sister Kim Yo-jong has slammed both countries for proceeding with the drills at a perilous time in global security.

North Korea’s Choe Hyon destroyer test-fires strategic cruise missiles in the Yellow Sea on Tuesday. Photo: Yonhap/dpa
Two Sessions 2026

Why China may gain from US moving military assets for Iran war

‘Any weakening’ of US presence in Asia-Pacific will work to someone’s advantage, ‘and you can imagine who that is’: cross-strait adviser.

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South Korea

South Korea gets wake-up call as US diverts military assets to Middle East

President Lee Jae Myung urges South Korea to boost its own defence amid reports of US military assets being redeployed to the Middle East.

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Korean peninsula

US begins large military exercise with South Korea while attacking Iran

Thousands of troops begin annual drills amid speculation over US Patriot redeployment to the Middle East.

Protesters rally against Freedom Shield 2026 in front of the US embassy in Seoul. Photo: AFP
South Korea

South Korea uneasy as US weighs moving air defences to Middle East

Fears are growing in Seoul that shifting US Patriot and THAAD missiles to fight Iran could leave it vulnerable to North Korea.

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US and South Korean soldiers take part in a joint river-crossing exercise as part of the Freedom Shield military drills in March 2025. Photo: Getty Images
China-South Korea relations

Seoul’s protest seen as reluctance to let US Forces Korea confront China

South Korean complaint highlights growing difficulty in balancing ties with both security ally US and top trading partner China: analyst.

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South Korea

Why South Korea is risking a rare rift with US to slash joint military drills

Washington is reportedly pushing back on Seoul’s request for smaller drills, forcing the postponement of a major joint military briefing.

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US-China relations

Pentagon eyes expanded role for South Korea-based US forces to help deter China

US defence policy chief signals ‘model ally’ Seoul should take the lead on North Korea as Washington refocuses on first island chain.

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South Korean Defence Minister Ahn Gyu-back (left) speaks with US undersecretary of defence for policy Elbridge Colby (right) during their meeting in Seoul on January 26. Photo: AFP/ South Korean Defence Ministry
North Korea

Pentagon shifts North Korean responsibility to ‘capable’ South

US officials have recently been pushing to allow American troops in South Korea more flexibility to operate outside the peninsula.

China-North Korea relations

China’s role in Korean peninsula stability tested amid nuclear submarine moves

Seoul’s calls for Chinese mediation seen to underscore Beijing’s central role in preserving stability between two Koreas.

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War and conflict

As I see it | Would the world be safer if the military were in charge of the US?

Capricious political leaders like Donald Trump and his defence chief may be more dangerous than responsible and battle-tested generals.

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US President Donald Trump speaks alongside his defence secretary Pete Hegseth in the Cabinet Room of the White House in Washington, DC, on December 2. Photo: AFP
South Korea

South Korea’s nuclear sub deal signals shift from strategic ambiguity: analysts

While Seoul could expand its security roles, analysts warn the shift from strategic ambiguity could upset its US-China balancing act.

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Protesters shout slogans, demanding the US not help South Korea acquire nuclear-powered submarines, during a rally near the defence ministry in Seoul, South Korea, on November 4. Photo: AP
China-South Korea relations

Philippines looks to acquire South Korean anti-ship ballistic missile

Manila seeks to buy CTM-ASBM, which was unveiled by Hanwha at the Asian Defence and Security exhibition last year.

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US-China relations

South Korea’s new US ‘Iron Dome’ air defence system seen as reply to China

It’s the first such weapon system known to be deployed at an American base overseas and comes as Beijing and Pyongyang boost UAV operations.

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Taiwan

Seoul balks at Taiwan role for US troops stationed in South Korea

‘Discussions necessary’: Lee Jae-myung says it is difficult to agree to strategic flexibility as Trump looks to shift USFK focus to China.

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US President Donald Trump welcomes visiting South Korean President Lee Jae-myung to the White House on Monday. Photo: Xinhua
South Korea

Trump tests South Korea’s Lee by demanding ownership of US military base land

The lack of a joint statement after Lee’s summit with Trump highlights unresolved issues between the two allies, analysts say.

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US President Donald Trump (left) welcomes South Korean President Lee Jae-myung to the White House on Monday. Photo: Xinhua
Korean peninsula

Opinion | Why military independence from US could be Seoul’s best chance for peace

South Korea must secure US cooperation while navigating North Korea’s strengthened position and managing fears over regional security implications.

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South Korea

As Lee meets Trump, what can a ‘turtle ship’ do for the US-South Korea alliance?

Seoul’s shipbuilding expertise is expected to be a key bargaining chip when the two presidents meet on Monday.

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