South Korean FM: Trump's drill reduction order unknown to both governments

South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun revealed that President Donald Trump's directive to scale back joint military exercises between South Korea and the U.S. came as a surprise to both governments. Cho stated that neither the South Korean government nor relevant U.S. officials had prior knowledge of Trump's announcement, which was made via his Truth Social platform.

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President Trump's statement on Truth Social was not known in advance by our government, nor by relevant officials in the U.S. government.

"We were not notified in advance either," Cho told reporters at the National Assembly's Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee meeting. Despite this lack of prior notification, the minister emphasized that the alliance between South Korea and the U.S. remains strong and that close consultations are ongoing.

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We were not notified in advance either.

Regarding the reported halving of the 'Ulchi Freedom Shield' (UFS) joint military drills, Cho indicated that Defense Minister Ahn Kyu-baek had been in close contact with U.S. officials following Trump's statement. "I understand that it was decided through consultations," Cho said, suggesting that the adjustments were made after the U.S. president's public remarks.

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I understand that it was decided through consultations.