Trump Administration Considers Relocating 4,500 U.S. Troops from Korea to Guam
Kim Moonsoo: "Concerns Over U.S. Troop Withdrawal if Lee Becomes President"
Kim: "Lee Jaemyung Must Clearly State His Position on the South Korea-U.S. Alliance"
Kim Moonsoo, the People Power Party presidential candidate, on the 23rd called on Lee Jaemyung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, to immediately clarify his position regarding reports that the Trump administration in the United States is considering relocating 4,500 U.S. troops stationed in South Korea to Guam.
On the morning of the same day, Kim wrote on Facebook, "Although this is not an official review or announcement by the U.S. government, the issue of reducing U.S. forces in Korea is not a simple troop movement but a critical matter directly linked to the security of the Republic of Korea," expressing his stance.
He continued, "Candidate Lee has in the past disparaged U.S. forces stationed in Korea by calling them 'occupying forces,' and has also denounced joint military exercises between South Korea, the United States, and Japan as 'extreme pro-Japanese acts.' Because of this, there are growing concerns that if Lee becomes president, the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Korea could become a reality. I urge Candidate Lee to apologize for his past remarks about occupying forces and to clearly state his firm position on the South Korea-U.S. alliance."
Previously, on July 2, 2021, when Lee was serving as Governor of Gyeonggi Province, he stated at the Lee Yuksa Memorial Hall in Andong, North Gyeongsang Province, "Unlike other countries at the stage of establishing their governments, Korea failed to purge pro-Japanese collaborators, and these pro-Japanese forces, in collaboration with the U.S. occupying forces, maintained the existing ruling system. The country did not start off cleanly."
Kim Moonsoo, the People Power Party presidential candidate, is speaking at the 'Kim Moonsoo People Power Party Presidential Candidate-Economic 5 Organizations Meeting' held at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Namdaemun-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul on the 22nd. 2025.5.22 Photo by Kim Hyunmin
Kim also made clear his commitment to maintaining a strong South Korea-U.S. alliance. He emphasized, "A strong South Korea-U.S. alliance is a key pillar supporting peace and prosperity not only on the Korean Peninsula but also in the Indo-Pacific region. I will continue to steadfastly pursue the strengthening of the U.S. nuclear extended deterrence implementation, the advancement of Korea’s three-axis system, and other measures based on the South Korea-U.S. alliance."
He added, "When the new administration is inaugurated, we will immediately pursue a South Korea-U.S. summit and closely consult through official diplomatic channels on ways to strengthen the stationing of U.S. forces in Korea and extended deterrence. What is needed now is not 'xiexie' or 'thank you,' but strategies and capabilities to protect our national interests. I will safeguard the security of the Republic of Korea through a solid South Korea-U.S. alliance."
Not only Kim Moonsoo but also the People Power Party have intensified their criticism of Candidate Lee following reports of a possible review of the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Korea. Shin Dongwook, chief spokesperson of the People Power Party’s central election committee, issued a statement on the same day, saying, "The report that the U.S. administration is considering redeploying thousands of U.S. troops stationed in Korea is not a simple troop adjustment, but a warning that the entire security system of the Republic of Korea could be shaken." He further criticized, "At this grave moment, the even more serious issue is Candidate Lee’s 'dangerously reckless view on security.'"
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