Seoul Stresses US Ties as Trump's Drill Order Stirs Unease

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on Tuesday underscored the importance of a firm military alliance with the United States, saying national security is strengthened when the partnership is solid. His remarks came as many South Koreans expressed confusion and anxiety over President Donald Trump's abrupt order to "substantially reduce" joint military exercises.

Trump announced the move on social media just before the start of the annual Ulchi Freedom Shield drills, which are designed to sharpen readiness against North Korean threats. He cited his relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and South Korea's refusal to join US actions against Iran.

The decision, which appeared to be made without prior consultation with Seoul, has deepened concerns about the reliability of the US-South Korean alliance. Confidence had already been shaken by Trump's tariff policies and last year's immigration raid in Georgia that led to the detention of hundreds of South Korean workers.

In an editorial, the Hankook Ilbo newspaper called the announcement "a stark reality of a faltering Korea-US alliance," noting it was "absurd that the US appears to treat North Korea more respectfully than its ally South Korea."

Lee, a liberal who has advocated for a stronger self-reliant defense, said building up national strengths would increase the country's value as an ally. His office expressed hope that a friendly Trump-Kim relationship could lead to meaningful dialogue, a stance criticized by the conservative opposition.

Experts say Kim is unlikely to return to talks without larger concessions. North Korea's Foreign Ministry has vowed to respond to the drills with "a new level of a deterrent."

The US maintains about 28,500 troops in South Korea and provides a "nuclear umbrella" guarantee. A recent survey found that 46.4% of South Koreans viewed the US as "not a trustworthy partner," the first time distrust outpaced trust since 2017.