South Korea on Friday (Dec 26) said that it will reclassify North Korea's long-banned state newspaper as general information, easing public access, in the latest overture from the administration of dovish President Lee Jae Myung. Seoul remains officially at war with its nuclear-armed neighbour, and a decades-old national security ban on Pyongyang's propaganda remains in place. Critics, including President Lee, say South Koreans are politically mature enough to judge such material, which often idolises the North's leadership, for themselves.&nbsp;They also argue the ban amounts to unnecessary censorship in a vibrant democracy that is one of the most wired and educated countries in the world.&nbsp;Seoul's government convened on Friday an inter-agency meeting and confirmed a consensus among the relevant parties regarding the "reclassification of the Rodong Sinmun newspaper from special material to general material", it said in a statement.&nbsp;The "official measure to reclassify Rodong Sinmun as general material will be implemented early next week through necessary administrative procedures", the government statement added.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-becomes-first-nation-to-recognise-somaliland-as-independent-state-isreal-gaza-somalia-benjamin-netanyahu-abraham-accords-trump-1766770494091">Israel becomes first nation to recognise Somaliland as independent state</a>&nbsp;The announcement comes after Seoul's unification ministry told President Lee last week that it aims to ease public access to some North Korean propaganda materials.&nbsp;Lee said at the time that fears "the public will fall for the propaganda and become commies" were overblown.“Rather, (granting access to such materials) will be an opportunity to understand the reality of North Korea accurately and think, 'That shouldn't be happening.'”&nbsp;Lee said earlier this month he felt an apology was due to the North over his predecessor's alleged order to send drones and propaganda leaflets across the border.&nbsp;Pyongyang has not responded to the overture from Lee, who has sought to mend fractured ties with the North.&nbsp;(Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.)

Seoul's government convened on Friday an inter-agency meeting and confirmed a consensus among the relevant parties regarding the "reclassification of the Rodong Sinmun newspaper from special material to general material", it said in a statement.



South Korea on Friday (Dec 26) said that it will reclassify North Korea's long-banned state newspaper as general information, easing public access, in the latest overture from the administration of dovish President Lee Jae Myung. Seoul remains officially at war with its nuclear-armed neighbour, and a decades-old national security ban on Pyongyang's propaganda remains in place. Critics, including President Lee, say South Koreans are politically mature enough to judge such material, which often idolises the North's leadership, for themselves. They also argue the ban amounts to unnecessary censorship in a vibrant democracy that is one of the most wired and educated countries in the world. Seoul's government convened on Friday an inter-agency meeting and confirmed a consensus among the relevant parties regarding the "reclassification of the Rodong Sinmun newspaper from special material to general material", it said in a statement. The "official measure to reclassify Rodong Sinmun as general material will be implemented early next week through necessary administrative procedures", the government statement added. Also Read: Israel becomes first nation to recognise Somaliland as independent state The announcement comes after Seoul's unification ministry told President Lee last week that it aims to ease public access to some North Korean propaganda materials. Lee said at the time that fears "the public will fall for the propaganda and become commies" were overblown. “Rather, (granting access to such materials) will be an opportunity to understand the reality of North Korea accurately and think, 'That shouldn't be happening.'” Lee said earlier this month he felt an apology was due to the North over his predecessor's alleged order to send drones and propaganda leaflets across the border. Pyongyang has not responded to the overture from Lee, who has sought to mend fractured ties with the North. (Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.)

Seoul's government convened on Friday an inter-agency meeting and confirmed a consensus among the relevant parties regarding the "reclassification of the Rodong Sinmun newspaper from special material to general material", it said in a statement.

South Korea to relax decades-old ban on North Korean state newspaper

The North Korean state media released pictures of the progress of an 8,700-tonne nuclear-powered submarine and condemned the US and South Korea nuclear submarine deal as an “offensive act” which violates the North’s security and maritime sovereignty.

North Korea condemns US-South Korea nuclear submarine deal, shows off progress on its 8,700-tonne nuclear submarine

South Korea’s new President Lee Jae Myung has acknowledged that it remains unclear whether Seoul and Washington can settle their high-stakes tariff negotiations before a deadline set by US President Donald Trump, as both sides struggle to reconcile competing demands. At his first news conference since taking office last month, Lee struck a cautious tone, saying talks with the United States were “clearly not easy” and that negotiators were still working to clarify their positions and define common ground. As per the Associated Press, Lee warned that it was impossible to guarantee an agreement before Trump’s deadline next week, even as both governments race to avoid punishing new tariffs on South Korean exports.<h2>A deadline with big stakes</h2>The sense of urgency stems from Trump’s 90-day pause on new “global reciprocal tariffs,” which is set to expire on July 9. Once that pause ends, South Korean goods could be hit with sweeping 25 per cent tariffs—posing a major threat to the trade-dependent economy. South Korean officials are particularly worried about the possibility of higher duties on critical sectors such as automobiles and semiconductors. According to the Associated Press, these industries are the backbone of the country’s exports and a vital source of jobs and growth.&nbsp;Lee said it was essential to secure a “truly reciprocal outcome that benefits both sides,” but admitted the process was proving complex and politically sensitive. “It’s difficult to say with certainty whether we will be able to reach a conclusion by July 8. We are now doing our best,” he told reporters.<h2>Trump’s tough stance</h2>President Trump has championed his “America First” approach to trade, demanding what he calls fairer, more balanced deals with key partners. The Trump administration argues that some foreign producers have unfairly benefited from past trade rules at America’s expense. The Associated Press reports that Trump has also insisted on new tariff measures to stop companies from evading existing duties by shipping Chinese-made goods through third countries like Vietnam or South Korea.&nbsp;Beyond tariffs, there are concerns in Seoul that Trump might use the trade negotiations to demand higher payments from South Korea to cover the cost of hosting 28,000 US troops on the peninsula forces seen as vital to deterring North Korean threats.<h2>Lee’s cautious approach</h2>Lee, who came to power after winning a snap election following the ouster of conservative President Yoon Suk Yeol, has sought to balance a firm defence of South Korea’s interests with a pragmatic approach to US ties.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Associated Press notes that Lee has consistently urged patience in tariff negotiations, arguing that rushing into a deal could undermine the national interest. His trade minister, Yeo Han-koo, is reportedly arranging meetings in Washington with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick in a last-ditch bid to secure a compromise.<h2>Broader diplomatic goals</h2>While trade is dominating headlines, Lee also used his news conference to lay out his vision for improving relations with North Korea. According to the Associated Press, Lee pledged to restart long-dormant inter-Korean talks, despite acknowledging that deep-seated distrust would make quick progress difficult. He also proposed resuming more frequent summits with Japan and reaffirmed his intention to pursue “pragmatic diplomacy” that balances ties with the US, China, Russia and North Korea.&nbsp;Lee’s government has already taken small steps to ease tensions with Pyongyang, halting anti-North propaganda broadcasts at the border and cracking down on activists who send leaflet balloons across the heavily fortified frontier.<h2>A delicate balance</h2>Lee’s challenge now is to secure a trade deal with Washington that shields Korean industry from crippling tariffs, while also managing an unpredictable relationship with North Korea and navigating Trump’s transactional approach to alliances.&nbsp;As the tariff deadline looms, South Korea’s new president is walking a tightrope, seeking to avoid economic disruption while maintaining the country’s strategic security partnership with the United States.&nbsp;(With inputs from the agencies)&nbsp;

With US tariffs set to hit South Korean exports, President Lee Jae Myung voices doubts over reaching a deal in time, as Seoul scrambles to protect key industries and manage diplomatic ties with Washington.

South Korea’s new President Lee Jae Myung has acknowledged that it remains unclear whether Seoul and Washington can settle their high-stakes tariff negotiations before a deadline set by US President Donald Trump, as both sides struggle to reconcile competing demands. At his first news conference since taking office last month, Lee struck a cautious tone, saying talks with the United States were “clearly not easy” and that negotiators were still working to clarify their positions and define common ground. As per the Associated Press, Lee warned that it was impossible to guarantee an agreement before Trump’s deadline next week, even as both governments race to avoid punishing new tariffs on South Korean exports. A deadline with big stakes The sense of urgency stems from Trump’s 90-day pause on new “global reciprocal tariffs,” which is set to expire on July 9. Once that pause ends, South Korean goods could be hit with sweeping 25 per cent tariffs—posing a major threat to the trade-dependent economy. South Korean officials are particularly worried about the possibility of higher duties on critical sectors such as automobiles and semiconductors. According to the Associated Press, these industries are the backbone of the country’s exports and a vital source of jobs and growth. Lee said it was essential to secure a “truly reciprocal outcome that benefits both sides,” but admitted the process was proving complex and politically sensitive. “It’s difficult to say with certainty whether we will be able to reach a conclusion by July 8. We are now doing our best,” he told reporters. Trump’s tough stance President Trump has championed his “America First” approach to trade, demanding what he calls fairer, more balanced deals with key partners. The Trump administration argues that some foreign producers have unfairly benefited from past trade rules at America’s expense. The Associated Press reports that Trump has also insisted on new tariff measures to stop companies from evading existing duties by shipping Chinese-made goods through third countries like Vietnam or South Korea. Beyond tariffs, there are concerns in Seoul that Trump might use the trade negotiations to demand higher payments from South Korea to cover the cost of hosting 28,000 US troops on the peninsula forces seen as vital to deterring North Korean threats. Lee’s cautious approach Lee, who came to power after winning a snap election following the ouster of conservative President Yoon Suk Yeol, has sought to balance a firm defence of South Korea’s interests with a pragmatic approach to US ties. The Associated Press notes that Lee has consistently urged patience in tariff negotiations, arguing that rushing into a deal could undermine the national interest. His trade minister, Yeo Han-koo, is reportedly arranging meetings in Washington with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick in a last-ditch bid to secure a compromise. Broader diplomatic goals While trade is dominating headlines, Lee also used his news conference to lay out his vision for improving relations with North Korea. According to the Associated Press, Lee pledged to restart long-dormant inter-Korean talks, despite acknowledging that deep-seated distrust would make quick progress difficult. He also proposed resuming more frequent summits with Japan and reaffirmed his intention to pursue “pragmatic diplomacy” that balances ties with the US, China, Russia and North Korea. Lee’s government has already taken small steps to ease tensions with Pyongyang, halting anti-North propaganda broadcasts at the border and cracking down on activists who send leaflet balloons across the heavily fortified frontier. A delicate balance Lee’s challenge now is to secure a trade deal with Washington that shields Korean industry from crippling tariffs, while also managing an unpredictable relationship with North Korea and navigating Trump’s transactional approach to alliances. As the tariff deadline looms, South Korea’s new president is walking a tightrope, seeking to avoid economic disruption while maintaining the country’s strategic security partnership with the United States. (With inputs from the agencies)

South Korea’s President Lee Jae Myung warns of uncertainty over sealing a US tariff deal before Trump’s looming July 9 deadline.

US–South Korea tariff deal in doubt as Trump’s deadline approaches

Kim Yo Jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, has issued a warning to the US and South Korea for signing a new nuclear weapons agreement and called President Joe Biden 'senile' and 'too miscalculating and irresponsibly brave' for his statements.&nbsp;

Kim said that the new agreement&nbsp;aimed at&nbsp;strengthening deterrence against Pyongyang would lead to 'more serious danger' in the region.&nbsp;

“When we consider that this expression was personally used by the president of the US, our most hostile adversary, it is threatening rhetoric for which he should be prepared for far too great an after-storm,” she was quoted as saying by state news agency KCNA.&nbsp;

"The more the enemies are dead set on staging nuclear war exercises, and the more nuclear assets they deploy in the vicinity of the Korean peninsula, the stronger the exercise of our right to self-defence will become in direct proportion to them," she added.&nbsp;

“The pipe dream of the US and (South) Korea will henceforth be faced with the entity of more powerful strength."

<h2>Why did Kim's sister lash out?</h2>

The statement by&nbsp;Kim Yo Jong comes in the backdrop of Biden saying Kim Jong Un's regime would cease to exist if he were to launch a nuclear attack on the United States or its allies. Biden made the comment after signing the Washington Declaration while South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeo was on a US visit earlier this week.&nbsp;

"A nuclear attack by North Korea against the United States or its allies or partners is unacceptable and will result at the end of whatever regime were to take such an action," Biden had&nbsp;said.&nbsp;

This is not the first instance when&nbsp;Pyongyang's top leaders have hurled such derogatory words at&nbsp;the US president. In 2017, Kim Jong Un called then-president Donald Trump a&nbsp;“mentally deranged U.S. dotard” while both were engaged in exchanging verbal threats.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Biden-Yoon meet in White House; South Korea, US&nbsp;sign declaration | WION Pulse

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<h2>What is the Washington Declaration?</h2>

Under the declaration, Seoul&nbsp;will not be developing its own nuclear weapons but the US will aid in the use of them in any potential conflict with North Korea.

The US will also deploy nuclear-armed submarines to South Korea as part of the agreement. Additionally, there will be a routine visit of aircraft carriers and bombers to the region to send a message to the enemy, informed officials.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-nuclear-weapons-for-south-korea-yoon-and-biden-set-to-ink-landmark-agreement-586416">ALSO READ |&nbsp;US nuclear weapons for S Korea? Yoon, Biden ink landmark agreement</a>

Notably, this is the first time since the US withdrew all of its nuclear weapons from South Korea in 1991 that talks about such an agreement have reached fruition. However, no immediate plan exists to station nuclear weapons in South Korea.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

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Kim Yo Jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, has issued a warning to the US and South Korea for signing a new nuclear weapons agreement and called President Joe Biden 'senile' and 'too miscalculating and irresponsibly brave' for his statements.

Kim Yo Jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, has issued a warning to the US and South Korea for signing a new nuclear weapons agreement and called President Joe Biden 'senile' and 'too miscalculating and irresponsibly brave' for his statements. Kim said that the new agreement aimed at strengthening deterrence against Pyongyang would lead to 'more serious danger' in the region. “When we consider that this expression was personally used by the president of the US, our most hostile adversary, it is threatening rhetoric for which he should be prepared for far too great an after-storm,” she was quoted as saying by state news agency KCNA. "The more the enemies are dead set on staging nuclear war exercises, and the more nuclear assets they deploy in the vicinity of the Korean peninsula, the stronger the exercise of our right to self-defence will become in direct proportion to them," she added. “The pipe dream of the US and (South) Korea will henceforth be faced with the entity of more powerful strength." Why did Kim's sister lash out? The statement by Kim Yo Jong comes in the backdrop of Biden saying Kim Jong Un's regime would cease to exist if he were to launch a nuclear attack on the United States or its allies. Biden made the comment after signing the Washington Declaration while South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeo was on a US visit earlier this week. "A nuclear attack by North Korea against the United States or its allies or partners is unacceptable and will result at the end of whatever regime were to take such an action," Biden had said. This is not the first instance when Pyongyang's top leaders have hurled such derogatory words at the US president. In 2017, Kim Jong Un called then-president Donald Trump a “mentally deranged U.S. dotard” while both were engaged in exchanging verbal threats. ALSO WATCH | Biden-Yoon meet in White House; South Korea, US sign declaration | WION Pulse × What is the Washington Declaration? Under the declaration, Seoul will not be developing its own nuclear weapons but the US will aid in the use of them in any potential conflict with North Korea. The US will also deploy nuclear-armed submarines to South Korea as part of the agreement. Additionally, there will be a routine visit of aircraft carriers and bombers to the region to send a message to the enemy, informed officials. ALSO READ | US nuclear weapons for S Korea? Yoon, Biden ink landmark agreement Notably, this is the first time since the US withdrew all of its nuclear weapons from South Korea in 1991 that talks about such an agreement have reached fruition. However, no immediate plan exists to station nuclear weapons in South Korea. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Kim Jong Un’s sister calls Joe Biden ‘senile’, blasts US-S Korea for new nuclear deal

The United States and South Korea have reached a new accord under which&nbsp;they will share the cost of the American military presence in the region.

The State Department said on Sunday that South&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;will increase its contribution to the cost of US&nbsp;forces stationed in the country under an agreement reached with the United States.

The agreement reflects the Biden administration’s "commitment to reinvigorating and modernizing our democratic alliances around the word to advance our shared security and prosperity," a State Department spokeswoman said.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-south-korea-to-conduct-military-drills-north-koreas-reaction-feared-368532" hreflang="en">US-South Korea to conduct military drills; North Korea's reaction feared</a>

The proposed six-year "Special Measures Agreement" will replace the previous arrangement that expired at the end of 2019.

The spokeswoman said the agreement included a "negotiated meaningful increase in host nation support contributions," but gave no further details.

There are about 28,500 US&nbsp;troops stationed in&nbsp;South&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;as deterrence against North&nbsp;Korea. More than 90 per cent&nbsp;of Seoul's contributions under the previous agreement went directly back into the&nbsp;South&nbsp;Korean economy, the spokeswoman added.

The negotiations had been gridlocked after former US&nbsp;President Donald Trump rejected Seoul's offer to pay 13% more, for a total of about $1 billion a year, and demanded as much as $5 billion. Seoul currently pays Washington about $920 million a year.

The deal must still be approved by the&nbsp;South&nbsp;Korean legislature.&nbsp;South&nbsp;Korea's Foreign Ministry confirmed an agreement in principle in a statement but offered no specifics.

“Both sides will make a public announcement and hold a tentative signing ceremony after completing internal reporting procedures. The government will resolve to sign an agreement in a swift manner to resolve its vacuum that has lasted more than a year," the ministry added.

After 9/11 the US launched a war on terror. According to a study conducted by Brown University that fight has spread to over 80 countries.

President Joe Biden has vowed to revitalise US&nbsp;alliances after four years of strains under Trump and build a united front to counter the challenges posed by Russia, China and Iran.

South&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;began paying for the US. troop presence in the early 1990s, after rebuilding its war-devastated economy. The two countries signed a treaty of mutual defence at the end of the 1950-1953&nbsp;Korean War, which provided the basis for the stationing of US&nbsp;forces in&nbsp;South&nbsp;Korea.

Chun said the new deal was a win for the alliance because it would improve the overall conditions for US&nbsp;forces, while the six-year extension would provide much-needed stability

"I hope that this agreement will highlight the fact that 'Korea&nbsp;is not a freeloader' and is and has been a reliable ally," he said.

The announcement came after&nbsp;South&nbsp;Korea's chief envoy, Jeong Eun-bo, arrived in Washington for the first face-to-face talks with U.S. envoy Donna Welton since Biden's administration took office in January.

After the last pact expired, some 4,000&nbsp;South&nbsp;Koreans working for the U.S. military were placed on unpaid leave, prompting the two countries to scramble for a stopgap agreement to let them return to work.

The United States reached an agreement with Japan last month on Tokyo's contribution to the stationing of about 55,000 U.S. forces there, keeping Japan's annual costs steady at about $1.9 billion.

The United States and South Korea have reached a new accord under which they will share the cost of the American military presence in the region. The State Department said on Sunday that South Korea will increase its contribution to the cost of US forces stationed in the country under an agreement reached with the United States.

The United States and South Korea have reached a new accord under which they will share the cost of the American military presence in the region. The State Department said on Sunday that South Korea will increase its contribution to the cost of US forces stationed in the country under an agreement reached with the United States. The agreement reflects the Biden administration’s "commitment to reinvigorating and modernizing our democratic alliances around the word to advance our shared security and prosperity," a State Department spokeswoman said. Also read| US-South Korea to conduct military drills; North Korea's reaction feared The proposed six-year "Special Measures Agreement" will replace the previous arrangement that expired at the end of 2019. The spokeswoman said the agreement included a "negotiated meaningful increase in host nation support contributions," but gave no further details. There are about 28,500 US troops stationed in South Korea as deterrence against North Korea. More than 90 per cent of Seoul's contributions under the previous agreement went directly back into the South Korean economy, the spokeswoman added. The negotiations had been gridlocked after former US President Donald Trump rejected Seoul's offer to pay 13% more, for a total of about $1 billion a year, and demanded as much as $5 billion. Seoul currently pays Washington about $920 million a year. The deal must still be approved by the South Korean legislature. South Korea's Foreign Ministry confirmed an agreement in principle in a statement but offered no specifics. “Both sides will make a public announcement and hold a tentative signing ceremony after completing internal reporting procedures. The government will resolve to sign an agreement in a swift manner to resolve its vacuum that has lasted more than a year," the ministry added. After 9/11 the US launched a war on terror. According to a study conducted by Brown University that fight has spread to over 80 countries. President Joe Biden has vowed to revitalise US alliances after four years of strains under Trump and build a united front to counter the challenges posed by Russia, China and Iran. South Korea began paying for the US. troop presence in the early 1990s, after rebuilding its war-devastated economy. The two countries signed a treaty of mutual defence at the end of the 1950-1953 Korean War, which provided the basis for the stationing of US forces in South Korea. Chun said the new deal was a win for the alliance because it would improve the overall conditions for US forces, while the six-year extension would provide much-needed stability "I hope that this agreement will highlight the fact that 'Korea is not a freeloader' and is and has been a reliable ally," he said. The announcement came after South Korea's chief envoy, Jeong Eun-bo, arrived in Washington for the first face-to-face talks with U.S. envoy Donna Welton since Biden's administration took office in January. After the last pact expired, some 4,000 South Koreans working for the U.S. military were placed on unpaid leave, prompting the two countries to scramble for a stopgap agreement to let them return to work. The United States reached an agreement with Japan last month on Tokyo's contribution to the stationing of about 55,000 U.S. forces there, keeping Japan's annual costs steady at about $1.9 billion.

US and South Korea reach new accord on cost-sharing deal for troops

In a move which surprised many South Koreans, United States ambassador to South Korea Harry Binkley Harris shaved off his moustache to keep himself "cool" in the summer heat but experts believed it was a move to refurbish his image as South Koreans thought the controversial moustache reminded them of Japanese governor-generals when Korea was a Japanese colony from 1940-45.

Harris whose mother was a Japanese had reportedly told the local South Korean media two years ago that he had decided to grow the moustache as a sign of starting a career as a diplomat in the country but South Koreans felt his moustache harked back to the colonial era.

Harris had said that he would shave it off if it hurt relations between the United States and South Korea as the top diplomat's moustache became the focus of attention.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Glad I did this. For me it was either keep the 'stache or lose the mask. Summer in Seoul is way too hot &amp; humid for both. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID</a> guidelines matter &amp; I'm a masked man! Enjoyed getting to know Mr. Oh &amp; appreciated his heartfelt words about how much he values the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/USROKAlliance?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#USROKAlliance</a>. <a href="https://t.co/ja2WMD49Fr">https://t.co/ja2WMD49Fr</a>
— Harry Harris (@USAmbROK) <a href="https://twitter.com/USAmbROK/status/1286830445389180929?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 25, 2020</a></blockquote>
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In a tweet, Harris said: "Glad I did this. For me it was either keep the 'stache' or lose the mask. Summer in Seoul is way too hot &amp; humid for both. COVID-19 guidelines matter &amp; I'm a masked man!"

Harris decided to do something "cooler" to get rid of the "stache"&nbsp;in the hot and humid South Korean summer and wore a mask to comply with the coronavirus guideline of South Korea as the country&nbsp;has witnessed&nbsp;a major spurt in COVID-19 cases in recent weeks.

Harris's "moustache"&nbsp;manoeuvre comes even as the Trump administration and the South Korean government have been at loggerheads in recent years as the US president has insisted that Seoul pay a larger share of the cost of US military forces deployed in the country.

At least 28,000-32,000 US troops are stationed in the United States with Seoul paying up to billion dollars a year towards the US troop presence. Trump has however asked for a bigger percentage.

In a move which surprised many South Koreans, United States ambassador to South Korea Harry Binkley Harris shaved off his moustache to keep himself "cool" in the summer heat but experts believed it was a move to refurbish his image as South Koreans thought the controversial moustache reminded them of Japanese governor-generals when Korea was a Japanese colony from 1940-45.

In a move which surprised many South Koreans, United States ambassador to South Korea Harry Binkley Harris shaved off his moustache to keep himself "cool" in the summer heat but experts believed it was a move to refurbish his image as South Koreans thought the controversial moustache reminded them of Japanese governor-generals when Korea was a Japanese colony from 1940-45. Harris whose mother was a Japanese had reportedly told the local South Korean media two years ago that he had decided to grow the moustache as a sign of starting a career as a diplomat in the country but South Koreans felt his moustache harked back to the colonial era. Harris had said that he would shave it off if it hurt relations between the United States and South Korea as the top diplomat's moustache became the focus of attention. Glad I did this. For me it was either keep the 'stache or lose the mask. Summer in Seoul is way too hot & humid for both. #COVID guidelines matter & I'm a masked man! Enjoyed getting to know Mr. Oh & appreciated his heartfelt words about how much he values the #USROKAlliance. https://t.co/ja2WMD49Fr — Harry Harris (@USAmbROK) July 25, 2020 × In a tweet, Harris said: "Glad I did this. For me it was either keep the 'stache' or lose the mask. Summer in Seoul is way too hot & humid for both. COVID-19 guidelines matter & I'm a masked man!" Harris decided to do something "cooler" to get rid of the "stache" in the hot and humid South Korean summer and wore a mask to comply with the coronavirus guideline of South Korea as the country has witnessed a major spurt in COVID-19 cases in recent weeks. Harris's "moustache" manoeuvre comes even as the Trump administration and the South Korean government have been at loggerheads in recent years as the US president has insisted that Seoul pay a larger share of the cost of US military forces deployed in the country. At least 28,000-32,000 US troops are stationed in the United States with Seoul paying up to billion dollars a year towards the US troop presence. Trump has however asked for a bigger percentage.

US ambassador to South Korea shaves off moustache, guess why?

South Korea and the United States failed on Wednesday to agree on Seoul’s contribution towards hosting some 28,500 US troops, but the US side hinted after the two days of talks that it will no longer stick to its US$5 billion demand. #Seoul #US #Washington #SouthKorea

Seoul, Washington fail to agree on cost of United States troops