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Seoul Says No U.S. Request to Take Base Land After Trump Ownership Remark

Seoul says no U.S. request exists under a SOFA that grants use, not ownership.

This file photo, released by the Associated Press, shows then National Security Adviser John Bolton speaking to the press at the White House in Washington on July 31, 2019. (Yonhap)
This UPI photo shows U.S. President Donald Trump answering reporters' questions during a Cabinet meeting in the Cabinet Room of the White House in Washington on Aug. 26, 2025. (Yonhap)

Overview

  • South Korea's foreign ministry said it has received no proposal from Washington to transfer title to land hosting U.S. Forces Korea.
  • Officials noted the U.S.–ROK Status of Forces Agreement provides a sovereign grant of use without cost and requires land be returned when no longer needed.
  • Experts in Seoul characterized President Trump's call for U.S. ownership as leverage for security talks and burden-sharing negotiations.
  • Former U.S. National Security Adviser John Bolton said the idea reflects Trump's real estate perspective, citing past base relocations such as Yongsan.
  • Trump appeared to reference Camp Humphreys, the largest overseas U.S. Army base, as President Lee signaled plans to raise defense spending.