According to Yonhap, in response to posts related to U.S. President Trump in South Korea, the South Korean Presidential Office, Cheong Wa Dae, stated on the 17th that South Korea and the United States have always maintained close coordination regarding maintaining a strong joint defense posture, as well as joint military exercises and training activities. They will continue to collaborate on related matters in the future.
Regarding Trump’s statement that he has “very good relations” with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, a South Korean official from the Blue House said that the South Korean side is highly concerned about the information posted by Trump on social media.
The official also stated that it is hoped that the friendly relations between North Korean and American leaders can translate into meaningful dialogue between the two countries, and that discussions regarding peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula can be initiated. To this end, the South Korean side will work closely with the American side and act as a ‘mediator’, actively carrying out necessary diplomatic efforts.
In addition, the official stated regarding the Middle East conflicts that South Korea has been actively participating in international discussions aimed at promoting a ceasefire between Iran and the United States, as well as restoring free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. Considering various factors such as the tense situation on the Korean Peninsula and domestic legal procedures, South Korea has been in close consultation with the United States regarding feasible military contribution plans.
Previously, Trump posted on social media saying that he had asked the Department of Defense to significantly reduce the scale of joint military exercises between the United States and South Korea. These exercises are “costly,” with a large portion of the expenses borne by the United States. At the same time, these exercises send “completely inappropriate and hostile signals” to North Korea.
Trump stated that, given his "very good relationship" with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, he was "disappointed that the United States agreed to participate in joint military exercises with South Korea a long time ago."
In the end of his post, Trump mentioned that he recently asked South Korea to work with the United States to promote "Iran's denuclearization," but this request was rejected by South Korea.
