South Korea and the U.S. struck a new five-year defense cost-sharing agreement on Friday, a move that could frustrate North Korea’s efforts to drive a wedge between Seoul and Washington even if alliance-skeptic Donald Trump wins the upcoming presidential election.

The 12th Special Measures Agreement (SMA) is set to run from 2026 to 2030 and will increase South Korea’s contribution to the U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) to 1.52 trillion won ($1.13 billion) in 2026, an 8.3% increase from 2025, according to Seoul’s foreign ministry release. 

“This agreement will be a significant accomplishment for both sides and will strengthen our Alliance