The South Korean Defense Ministry has denied reports of a reduction in the US contingent.

The South Korean Defense Ministry said it had not held any discussions with the Pentagon regarding a possible reduction in the number of American troops stationed in the country, and denied the relevant information from The Wall Street Journal. This was reported on May 23 by the Yonhap news agency.

"As the core force of the South Korea—US alliance, the US Armed Forces in Korea (USFK), together with our military, contribute to peace and stability on the Korean peninsula and in the region by maintaining a strong position of joint defense," the South Korean Defense Ministry said in a statement.

It is indicated that, according to the representative of the military department, the possible reduction of the American contingent of troops on the Korean peninsula is an issue requiring consultations between the allies.

"Changing the number of US troops in Korea is an issue that requires bilateral consultations based on the spirit of the South Korean-US alliance and mutual respect," he stressed.

Earlier in the day, The Wall Street Journal, citing sources, reported that the administration of US President Donald Trump is considering the possibility of withdrawing about 4,500 troops from South Korea and moving them to other areas of the Indo-Pacific region. It is clarified that this idea has not yet been presented to the American leader and is under consideration by high-ranking officials.