U.S.-South Korea Relations [Security Alliance]

Congress.gov ^ | 2022 | Caitlin Campbell, Mark E. Manyin, Mary Beth D. Nikitin

[CondoleezzaProtege]

South Korea sent more troops to join the Vietnam War than any other country other than the United States, and since has joined other U.S.-led conflicts in the Persian Gulf, Afghanistan, and Iraq.

South Korea has dispatched 57,000 troops to 30 countries at the request of the United States or the United Nations. A late 2019 poll—in the midst of a contentious standoff in burden-sharing negotiations—indicated that 92% of South Koreans supported the alliance with the United States.

Together the allies maintain formidable capabilities. The ROK armed forces today total 599,000 active duty troops. In 2020, South Korea had the 10th-largest defense spending in the world, constituting about 2.8% of its GDP.

Under a program known as Defense Reform 2.0, South Korea is investing heavily in new military equipment. Plans include a 30,000–35,000-ton LPX-II light aircraft carrier that are to host F-35B combat aircraft and helicopters.

In addition to these investments in technology, the ROK military is integrating civilian expertise as ground troop numbers decline.USFK operates about 90 combat planes, 40 attack helicopters, 50 tanks and some 60 Patriot missile launchers, according to South Korea's 2020 Defense White Paper.

[CondoleezzaProtege]

The last major speech Charlie Kirk gave before his death was during a visit to South Korea. I rewatched it recently and was reminded that he devoted a whole section to the ways Korea militarily helped US in conflicts that even Canada and Germany wouldn’t. Thought it was interesting in light of all the reappraisals taking place regarding US troops’ presence overseas, bases, etc…

[CondoleezzaProtege]

Kirk’s speech (with translation) begins at 2:00 min mark.
https://youtu.be/wivbmPFr-iY?si=pp58rTTrQaxrW4eX

[Wuli]

There may be quite a number of Lefties among the South Koreans, but they do not forget why they have the freedoms today that the folks in North Korea do not.