Seoul: A series of candid remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump has exposed the precarious state of the South Korea-U.S. alliance. Recently, Trump ordered a reduction in joint military exercises with South Korea to facilitate talks with North Korea and publicly revealed details of a conversation with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung concerning South Korea's support related to the Strait of Hormuz. Trump reportedly expressed dissatisfaction, stating, "The United States protects [South] Korea with U.S. Forces Korea, but [South] Korea does not support the United States."
According to Yonhap News Agency, Washington's tendency to assess alliances based on costs and transactions, rather than shared values and security interests, is troubling. However, it is also important for South Korea to consider whether its actions have contributed to the U.S. president's public airing of grievances.
Politico recently characterized Seoul as the "slowest negotiator," suggesting that Trump's decision to scale back combined exercises was partly due to frustration over the pace of South Korea's investment commitments in the United States. While the accuracy of this report is uncertain, it likely mirrors sentiment in Washington.
If delays in investment commitments prompted the reduction in military exercises, this decision appears misguided. Nonetheless, it would also be a mistake for the South Korean government to quietly welcome reduced exercises in the hope of advancing inter-Korean relations. There is concern that both Seoul and Washington, albeit for different reasons, support the same development even though it could undermine security on the Korean Peninsula.
Recently, President Lee again advocated for accelerating the transfer of wartime operational control (Opcon) and the nuclear-powered submarine program. However, he did not address why the submarine project has stalled or how these obstacles will be overcome.
Seoul must avoid being perceived by Washington as an ally that only receives assistance. Demonstrating South Korea's contributions will enhance its position on security issues requiring U.S. cooperation, such as the Opcon transfer and the acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines. Washington agreed last year to support South Korea's efforts to build nuclear-powered submarines, underscoring the need for continued bilateral cooperation.
Even if the Lee administration succeeds in fostering U.S.-North Korea dialogue, ongoing distrust between Seoul and Washington could constrain South Korea, resulting in direct dealings between Washington and Pyongyang instead.
Trust in a robust South Korea-U.S. alliance is essential if Seoul aims to act as the "pacemaker" for peace on the Korean Peninsula, as the government has pledged. An alliance is not a one-sided favor but a reciprocal relationship. South Korea should therefore take a more active role in fulfilling its responsibilities, including investment and trade commitments and support for navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. Rebuilding trust must be the priority.