Presidential office vows to work with new US administration for perfect security posture

Principal Deputy National Security Adviser Kim Tae-hyo speaks during a press briefing at the presidential office in Yongsan District, Seoul, Nov. 6. Yonhap

The presidential office said Wednesday that Korea will work with the new U.S. administration to establish a perfect security posture and expand the scope and level of the bilateral alliance.

Principal Deputy National Security Adviser Kim Tae-hyo made the remark while awaiting the results of the U.S. presidential election between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump.

"The government will work to establish a perfect Korea-U.S. security posture with the new Washington administration to ensure unwavering national security," Kim said in a press briefing.

Kim said Seoul aims to transform the alliance into "a stronger, more dynamic global comprehensive strategic alliance," enhancing cooperation in security, the economy and advanced technology and expand opportunities for youth and businesspeople.

"Once the results are confirmed, we anticipate an opportunity for communication between President Yoon Suk Yeol and the president-elect will be arranged promptly," a senior presidential official said.

Regarding the possibility of increased costs for the upkeep of 28,500 American troops in South Korea if Trump is elected, the official said the recently concluded defense cost-sharing deal would serve as a "benchmark" in future negotiations.

Last month, Seoul and Washington reached a new five-year Special Measures Agreement (SMA) until 2030, under which South Korea will pay an increase of 8.3 percent to 1.52 trillion won ($1.09 billion) in 2026 and annually raise its payment in line with the rise in the consumer price index.

"What is clear is that, beyond the amount of defense contributions, we have continued to expand our contributions within the South Korea-U.S. alliance, and both U.S. camps are well aware of this," the official said.

In an interview with Bloomberg News last month, Trump said if he were in the White House, South Korea would be paying $10 billion per year to help maintain the U.S. Forces Korea personnel. He also portrayed South Korea as a "money machine." (Yonhap)