Pentagon Denies Report About Possible Troop Cuts In South Korea

The U.S. is considering withdrawing troops from South Korea if the country doesn't increase its financial contribution to deployment costs. A South Korean newspaper reported that up to 4,000 U.S. soldiers might be withdrawn, but the U.S. Defense Department denied this claim. Negotiations over a new cost-sharing deal have stalled, with the U.S. demanding a significant increase in South Korea's contribution. The U.S. negotiator has given South Korea time to reconsider, while U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper stated that the U.S. is not threatening allies with troop withdrawal.

What is the reason behind the potential withdrawal of U.S. troops from South Korea?

How many U.S. soldiers are reported to be included in the potential troop withdrawal?

What was the response of the U.S. Defense Department regarding the newspaper article about troop withdrawal?

What was the annual contribution amount that the U.S. reportedly demanded from South Korea for 2020?

What did the top U.S. negotiator say about South Korea's stance on the cost-sharing deal?