Kim Moonsoo Says "South Korea-U.S. Defense Cost-Sharing Is Variable," Kwon Youngguk Calls It "Regrettable"

Kim Moonsoo: "Defense Cost-Sharing with the U.S. Can Be Increased, Decreased, or Variable"
Kwon Youngguk: "It Is Regrettable to Suggest Reopening Negotiations at Trump's Request"

Kim Moonsoo, the presidential candidate of the People Power Party, stated that the negotiations over the South Korea-U.S. defense cost-sharing could be "increased, decreased, or variable."

Yonhap News Agency

During a televised political debate held at the MBC Sangam Media Center on the 27th, in response to a question from Kwon Youngguk, the Democratic Labor Party's presidential candidate, asking whether he would agree to increase the defense cost-sharing if requested by the United States, Kim said, "If the overall defense costs increase in combination with other factors, we should consider building U.S. Navy submarines or similar measures," expressing his stance.

Kim also commented, "We need to make it clear that the fundamental interests of South Korea and the United States are aligned, and we must instill confidence that any additional contributions will be reciprocated with tangible benefits."

In response, Kwon stated, "Negotiations over the South Korea-U.S. defense cost-sharing agreement through 2030 concluded in October last year," and added, "It is regrettable to suggest that negotiations could be reopened if President Trump makes such a demand."