SEOUL, South Korea, East Asia: South Korea-US drills will end six days early after President Donald Trump ordered a reduction, while Seoul said it received no advance warning.
Foreign Minister Cho Hyun told a National Assembly committee on August 19 that South Korean and US officials learned about Trump’s decision through his Truth Social post.
“We were not notified in advance,” Cho said. He added that US officials also appeared unaware of the decision beforehand.
South Korean and US military officials later agreed to shorten the ongoing Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise at Washington’s request.
The drills began on August 17 and were due to run for 11 days. South Korea’s military said they will now end on August 21.
Read: US-South Korea Drills Begin After Trump Orders Major Cuts
Officials also plan to reduce certain joint field training activities. Trump ordered the Pentagon to “substantially reduce” the exercises.
He cited his relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and South Korea’s decision not to join US military operations against Iran.
