U.S. Department of Defense (CG) [Yonhap News TV]

The U.S. Department of Defense (formerly War Department) on the 30th (local time) did not provide a clear answer regarding the possibility of a reduction in U.S. forces stationed in Korea, following U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement that he was considering reducing U.S. troops stationed in Germany.

While not confirming whether U.S. forces in Korea would be reduced, the Department of Defense emphasized that its security commitment to South Korea remains firm.

A Department of Defense official responded to Yonhap News' related email inquiry on the same day, stating, "The Department of Defense does not comment on potential force posture adjustments."

Yonhap News' inquiry was seeking the department's stance on the growing possibility of a reduction in U.S. forces in Korea, following President Trump's statement the previous day that "the U.S. is looking at the possibility of reducing forces (U.S. troops) in Germany," and recent remarks by Gen. JB Brown, Commander of U.S. Forces Korea, at a U.S. House of Representatives hearing, where he mentioned focusing on "capabilities rather than troop numbers."

The Department of Defense official's remarks on the day are interpreted as a reaffirmation of the principle that adjustments to the posture of U.S. forces deployed worldwide are not publicly disclosed to the media.

However, the official stated, "U.S. Forces Korea continues to focus on deterrence and readiness," adding, "Our commitment to the defense of the Republic of Korea is unwavering, and the (ROK-U.S.) alliance continues to support stability on the Korean Peninsula."