South Korea-U.S. Joint Military Exercise Ends 6 Days Early

The South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff stated on the 19th that the South Korea-U.S. "Ulchi Freedom Shield" joint military exercise, originally scheduled for the 17th to the 27th, will end on the 21st, six days ahead of schedule, with the duration shortened by more than half.

In a statement on the 19th, the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff said that at the suggestion of the U.S. side, both South Korea and the U.S. have decided to adjust some aspects of the exercise, including its duration and scale. The exercise will now be held from August 17th to 21st. In addition, both sides have decided to reduce some of the joint field maneuver trainings, with specific adjustment details still under negotiation.

According to a Yonhap News report on the 18th, U.S. Forces Korea Commander Brunson had a meeting that day with South Korean Minister of National Defense Ahn Gyu-baek. Observers believe the decision to scale back the exercise was finalized during this meeting.

According to CBS News on the 18th, an official from the U.S. Department of Defense confirmed that the U.S.-South Korea "Ulchi Freedom Shield" joint military exercise will end on the 21st, nearly a week earlier than originally planned.

The official pointed out that, following the instructions of President Trump and Secretary of Defense Hagseth, the scale of this joint exercise has been significantly reduced, with relevant live drills being curtailed, and certain items being canceled or replaced with simulated exercises.