Seoul: The deterrence posture against North Korea will remain intact despite a potential shift of U.S. military assets stationed in South Korea, a senior official at Cheong Wa Dae stated. This announcement comes amidst reports that the U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) has redeployed some of its air defense assets from the Korean Peninsula.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the senior official expressed confidence in South Korea's military capabilities, citing robust defense spending, a strong defense industry, and high troop morale as factors ensuring continued deterrence against North Korea. The official emphasized that these elements would suffice even if certain USFK assets were relocated.

The official refrained from commenting directly on media reports suggesting that parts of a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system and other air defense units had been withdrawn from South Korea amid ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. The official noted that it would not be suitable for the South Korean government to comment on operational military decisions made jointly with the U.S.

The official reaffirmed the close coordination between South Korea and the U.S., highlighting their commitment to maintaining a strong combined defense posture. "Korea and the U.S. will continue to engage in close communication and coordination to ensure peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in the broader region," the official stated.