US–South Korean Relations at a Crossroads
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 6415954 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Yong Chool Ha, Wang Hwi Lee |
| Year | 2025 |
| Volume | 65 |
| Issue | 4-5 |
| Pages | 624-646 |
| Publication date | 2025-07-01 |
| Open Access | No |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Asian Survey (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0004-4687 • E-ISSN: 1533-838X |
| Publisher | University of California Press (PUBLISHER • US) |
| DOI | 10.1525/as.2025.2702353 |
| OpenAlex | W4412347512 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 2 |
| References cited | 1 |
The second Trump administration is challenging the major pillars of the South Korea–US relationship: their Mutual Defense Treaty and Free Trade Agreement. Trump is pressing Korea to share more of its defense spending, and implying that some US forces in Korea could be withdrawn. A weakening of the US presence is likely to fan support for independent nuclear armament efforts in South Korea. Trump’s tariff policy effectively cripples the FTA; 25% reciprocal tariffs will substantially reduce Korea’s exports to the US. After the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol, Korea’s new government faces tough negotiations with the Trump administration. Since Korea–US relations are the lynchpin of Korea’s security and economy, a newly elected president is likely to seek compromise rather than confrontation
Economic history · Economics · Political economy · Political science · Asian Culture and Media Studies · History
| Citations per year | 2 |
|---|---|
| Citation span | 2026 - 2026 (1) |
| Highly cited | No |