• The US is considering withdrawing about 4,500 troops from South Korea to Guam and other locations.
• South Korea's defense ministry denies any discussions regarding troop withdrawals with the US.
• Concerns are mounting in South Korea about potential reductions in US military presence amid regional tensions.

Reports have emerged that the US is contemplating withdrawing approximately 4,500 troops currently stationed in South Korea, with plans to redeploy them to other locations such as Guam. This information comes from unnamed US military officials as reported by the Wall Street Journal, indicating a review of the US force presence in the region, though this proposal has not yet reached President Trump for approval, according to aa and indiatimes.

In response to these claims, South Korea's defense ministry has emphasized that no discussions have taken place between Seoul and Washington regarding a troop withdrawal. They reiterated the significance of the US Forces Korea as a crucial element of their defense posture against North Korea, stating that their presence contributes to regional peace and stability, as conveyed by channelnewsasia and reuters.

The anticipation of a potential drawdown in US troops has sparked significant anxiety in South Korea, particularly as the nation prepares for a snap presidential election. Political candidates have expressed concerns, indicating that the issue is tied directly to national security. Amid these discussions, the acting political climate frames the withdrawal of troops not merely as a logistical maneuver but as a serious matter of international security, highlighted by latimes and newsweek.

Military leaders, including Admiral Samuel Paparo, have warned against troop reductions, suggesting it would diminish the US's capacity to respond to North Korean aggression. He described a potential drawdown as “problematic” that could compromise their overarching defense strategies in the region, reinforcing the reasons behind ongoing discussions in the political and military arenas as reported by aa, indiatimes, and latimes.