President Lee criticizes slow return of US military land: 'Nonsensical'

President Lee Jae-myung has expressed strong dissatisfaction with the protracted negotiations for the return of land ceded to the U.S. military, describing the situation as "nonsensical."

During a joint policy briefing with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Unification, Ministry of National Defense, and the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs at the Cheong Wa Dae Yongbingwan on January 5, President Lee stated, "It seems the negotiations for the return of U.S. military-conceded land are being delayed. This is nonsensical."

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It seems the negotiations for the return of U.S. military-conceded land are being delayed. This is nonsensical.

President Lee pointed out that South Korea invested 10 trillion won in building the Pyeongtaek base, yet the country is effectively unable to use the land because of pending post-transfer procedures. He lamented that this situation has persisted for years, not just months.

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The U.S. military is passive.

In response, Defense Minister Ahn Kyu-baek cited the U.S. military's "passive stance" as the reason for the delay. President Lee further elaborated, questioning the logic of providing advance payments under such circumstances. He acknowledged the trust placed in inter-Korean relations but noted a history of unmet commitments. "Given that it cost 10 trillion won to build the Pyeongtaek base, how long has it been since the U.S. military moved in?" he asked, adding, "From my perspective, it's almost an excuse. If they keep delaying the handover for various reasons and prevent us from using it, isn't that a problem?"

The issue of returning U.S. military-conceded land has been a long-standing challenge intertwined with the relocation of U.S. Forces Korea (USFK). The two nations agreed on the Yongsan Relocation Plan (YRP) and the Land Partnership Plan (LPP) in 2004, aiming to consolidate U.S. military bases in areas like Pyeongtaek. While South Korea has invested heavily in expanding the Pyeongtaek base, Camp Humphreys, and phased the relocation of forces from Yongsan and other bases since 2017, the handover of previously occupied land has been stalled due to environmental assessments, cost-sharing disputes, and bilateral consultations.

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Given that it cost 10 trillion won to build the Pyeongtaek base, how long has it been since the U.S. military moved in? From my perspective, it's almost an excuse. If they keep delaying the handover for various reasons and prevent us from using it, isn't that a problem?