#US-Korea Alliance

Trump's demand for warships at the Strait of Hormuz has cornered South Korea between alliance loyalty and $68 billion in Middle East exposure. How Seoul decides may define its diplomacy for years.

USFK commander expresses regret to South Korean defense minister over lack of timely briefing during Yellow Sea air drill that prompted Chinese fighter response. Analysis of alliance communication challenges.

February 19's aerial standoff between US and Chinese forces raises questions about command authority as South Korea pursues wartime operational control transfer. An analysis of alliance structure changes.

Pentagon's policy chief praises South Korea as exemplary partner for committing to increase defense spending to 3.5% of GDP, signaling shifting dynamics in US-Asia alliance strategy under Trump administration.

Pentagon official praises South Korea's decision to boost defense spending to 3.5% of GDP as 'clear-eyed' strategy, marking a fundamental shift in the 70-year US-ROK alliance paradigm

U.S. lawmakers celebrated 2026 Korean American Day at the Capitol, emphasizing the diaspora's role in the Seoul-Washington alliance and their impact on American society.

Pentagon official Elbridge Colby is planning visits to South Korea and Japan in late January 2026 to discuss defense spending and nuclear submarine projects.

President Lee Jae Myung's 2026 New Year address outlines his role as a 'pacemaker' for North Korea-U.S. talks and a new era of the U.S. alliance, including nuclear-powered submarine projects.

South Korea and the U.S. have agreed to pursue a stand-alone pact for nuclear-powered submarine cooperation, with working-level talks slated for early 2026. The plan involves using low-enriched uranium to address non-proliferation concerns.

The transfer of wartime command (OPCON) from the U.S. to South Korea is a high-stakes gamble, impacting global supply chains and regional stability.