The United States and South Korea have tentatively agreed to a new deal regarding the costs of maintaining the American military presence in South Korea. The agreement, announced by the U.S. State Department and South Korean foreign ministry, is subject to approval by the South Korean government and ratification by its parliament.
Under the proposed deal, South Korea's contribution would increase by 8.3% in the first year of the five-year agreement, amounting to $1.125 billion. Subsequent annual increases, capped at 5%, would follow. Currently, there are approximately 28,500 U.S. forces stationed in South Korea to help deter potential aggression from North Korea, spread across a few major bases.
