What the military cost-sharing dispute could mean for the U.S.-ROK alliance



Opinion What the military cost-sharing dispute could mean for the U.S.-ROK alliance Retired LTG Chun In-bum weighs in on the increasingly contentious debate Chun In-bum January 24, 2019 SHARE COPY LINK FACEBOOK X LINKEDIN MASTODON Exercise Cobra Gold 2014 [Image 9 of 14] by DVIDSHUB on 2014-02-13 11:37:43 For the past year or so the United States and South Korea have been negotiating a new Special Measures Agreement (SMA), more commonly known as cost-sharing negotiations, to determine what would be the fair amount of money that Seoul should pay for the stationing of American forces on the Korean peninsula. Past negotiations determined not only the amount, but also the duration, of an agreement. Typically, South Korea paid almost 50% of the stationing cost under a five year agreement. “Stationing cost” was defined by excluding pay and allowances for U.S. soldiers to ensure that American soldiers are not © Korea Risk Group. All rights reserved. No part of this content may be reproduced, distributed, or used for commercial purposes without prior written permission from Korea Risk Group. Get the Daily Update & Podcast Updates Start your day with the North Korea stories that matter most – as selected by Trending

Opinion

What the military cost-sharing dispute could mean for the U.S.-ROK alliance

Retired LTG Chun In-bum weighs in on the increasingly contentious debate

Chun In-bum January 24, 2019

What the military cost-sharing dispute could mean for the U.S.-ROK alliance

Exercise Cobra Gold 2014 [Image 9 of 14] by DVIDSHUB on 2014-02-13 11:37:43

For the past year or so the United States and South Korea have been negotiating a new Special Measures Agreement (SMA), more commonly known as cost-sharing negotiations, to determine what would be the fair amount of money that Seoul should pay for the stationing of American forces on the Korean peninsula.

Past negotiations determined not only the amount, but also the duration, of an agreement. Typically, South Korea paid almost 50% of the stationing cost under a five year agreement. “Stationing cost” was defined by excluding pay and allowances for U.S. soldiers to ensure that American soldiers are not

About the Author

Chun In-bum

Retired Lieutenant General In-Bum Chun entered the Korea Military Academy in 1977. Chun was commissioned an infantry officer in 1981 as class 37. Chun became the youngest officer in the Republic of Korea (ROK) Army history to be an aide to a three-star general with a rank of lieutenant. Chun commanded a combat division and the Korean Special Forces. Chun retired from active duty as of July of 2016, and continues to contribute to the improvement of ROK military capabilities and animal welfare.

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