In a significant shift that has unsettled Seoul, the United States has indicated it will scale back its direct role in deterring North Korea, placing greater responsibility on South Korea for its own security. The change is outlined in the Pentagon’s latest National Defense Strategy, which states that South Korea is now capable of assuming primary responsibility for countering threats from the North.
According to the document, the US will continue to provide support to South Korea but will no longer play the same frontline role it has for decades. This shift comes at a sensitive time, as North Korea continues missile tests and nuclear threats, heightening security concerns in the region.
Why Concerns Are Growing in Seoul
About 28,500 US troops are currently stationed in South Korea and have long been regarded as the backbone of deterrence against Pyongyang. The Pentagon’s indication of a more limited role has raised questions in Seoul about the extent and speed of US support during a potential crisis.
Although South Korea increased its defense budget by 7.5 percent this year and maintains a military force of around 450,000 personnel, analysts argue that full self-reliance remains challenging, particularly given North Korea’s nuclear capabilities.
Part of Alliance ‘Modernization’
According to a report by The Guardian, the shift is being viewed as part of former US President Donald Trump’s alliance modernization policy, under which Washington expects allies to shoulder a greater share of defense responsibilities. The US is also seeking greater flexibility in deploying its forces globally, rather than concentrating them on the Korean Peninsula.
Notable Policy Change on Denuclearization
Perhaps most striking is that the new US strategy does not explicitly mention the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. Earlier US policies focused squarely on eliminating North Korea’s nuclear arsenal. The omission has fueled speculation that Washington may now be moving toward a strategy of managing or containing North Korea’s nuclear capabilities, rather than pursuing complete denuclearization.
