U.S.-Korea cost-sharing talks collapse

Korean and U.S. officials significantly narrowed their differences in recent negotiations over how to share upkeep costs for the U.S. Forces Korea (USFK), but working-level progress fell apart as U.S. leadership rejected the plan, sources said Tuesday.

Seoul and Washington have held a series of talks since March over how much of a financial burden Korea should bear for the 28,500 soldiers stationed in Korea amid U.S. President Donald Trump’s call for a sharp rise in Seoul’s share.

Earlier this month, the two sides tried to reach a final deal on the issue during the 10th round of negotiations held in Seoul and narrowed differences to a gap of about 100 billion won ($88.9 million), but progress fell through as the U.S. leadership opposed the idea.

The two also couldn’t schedule the timing of the next round of meetings.

Yonhap