Entire U.S. Armed Forces in Seoul to Move South

During his appearance on an MBC radio program on November 26, U.S. Ambassador to Korea Thomas Hubbard said, “It is America’s position that all the U.S. forces currently in Seoul, including those at the UN headquarters and the Korea-U.S. joint headquarters, should be moved south to Pyongtaek, Osan in the Kyonggi province.”

He explained the report from the U.S, media that U.S. plans to transfer its troops in Korea to Iraq or Afghanistan, saying, “Each individual in the U.S. army second division could be transferred to Iraq. However, this doesn’t mean that there will be no replacement soldiers.”

He added, “Minister of National Defense Donald Rumsfeld gave general indications regarding the shift of forces…we are not discussing the reduction of U.S. forces in Korea.”

Regarding an additional troop deployment to Iraq, he observed, “The Korean army is supposed to defend itself…however, the size, occupation, and timing of deployment are subjects to be determined by the Korean government, and we will appreciate the decision no matter what it is.” Speaking of the reconstruction of the U.S. ambassador and staff residence hall, he added, “We are expecting the Korean government to provide an alternative site if it decides to rebuild.”

Young-Sik Kim spear@donga.com