U.S. Forces Will Remain in South Korea Even if Trump is Re-elected

South Korea's Minister of Unification, Kim Yong-ho, indicated that it is "unlikely" for the United States to reduce its troops in South Korea even if former President Donald Trump wins the upcoming presidential election. In a television interview, the minister stated that "this is due to the fact that the U.S. Congress has already decided the matter in a recently passed defense bill." Kim noted that the National Defense Authorization Act issued in December stipulates that the U.S. administration requires Congressional approval to reduce its troop presence of 28,500 soldiers in South Korea. He added that strengthening relations between the U.S., South Korea, and Japan will help overcome any political changes in the United States.