On March 28, 2025, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized the necessity for the United States to collaborate closely with South Korea, Japan, and other allies to establish a strong deterrence against potential conflicts. This statement was made during a joint press conference with Philippine Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro in Manila, marking Hegseth's first multi-nation trip to the Indo-Pacific since he took office in January.
Hegseth articulated that the Trump administration is committed to prioritizing the Indo-Pacific region, stating, "What the Trump administration will do is deliver ... is truly prioritize and shift this region of the world in a way that is unprecedented to match the threats of the future with the recognition that for the 21st century to be a free century, America needs to stand alongside our allies and partners shoulder to shoulder." He highlighted that this partnership is crucial for ensuring peace and stability in the area.
During the press conference, Hegseth reiterated the administration's mantra of "peace through strength," asserting, "We do not seek war. We seek peace, but those who long for peace must prepare for war, and we stand united shoulder to shoulder." His comments come amid rising tensions in the region and underscore the United States' commitment to its allies.
However, the trip raised eyebrows as it did not include a stop in South Korea, which has been grappling with political instability following the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol in December 2024. This omission has sparked concerns that the lack of engagement might adversely affect security coordination between the U.S. and South Korea, despite Washington's assurances of an "ironclad" commitment to the alliance.
Adding to the backdrop of this diplomatic visit, Victor Cha, Korea Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), expressed concerns about a deepening crisis in the South Korea-U.S. alliance during an online forum held on March 27, 2025. Cha described the situation as a "quiet crisis" that is not being openly discussed, highlighting the leadership vacuum in South Korea exacerbated by ongoing impeachment turmoil.
At the forum titled “What Does the Future Hold for Korea?”, which featured prominent figures including former U.S. Ambassador to Korea Mark Lippert and Washington Post Tokyo Bureau Chief Michelle Ye Hee Lee, Cha pointed to several signs indicating the strain in the alliance. He noted the absence of recent high-level bilateral engagements and the increasing trade pressure from the Trump administration as significant factors contributing to this crisis.
Moreover, Cha remarked on the implications of U.S. Defense Secretary Hegseth skipping South Korea during his Asia visit, stating that it reflects the current state of the alliance. He warned that Korea's political crisis, compounded by street protests, cannot be resolved without a presidential election, indicating a potential for further instability.
Cha also referenced Elbridge Colby, a nominee for U.S. Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, who has emphasized that U.S. Forces Korea should prioritize defending South Korea from China. This focus could increase pressure on South Korea regarding strategic flexibility and the Special Measures Agreement (SMA) concerning defense cost-sharing.
In a discussion about the potential impact of U.S. trade pressure, Wall Street Journal’s Tim Martin suggested that aggressive U.S. policies could influence Korea's elections. He noted that the Democratic Party of Korea might benefit from a backlash effect against the perceived aggression from the U.S.
The ongoing tensions and uncertainties surrounding the U.S.-Korea alliance are indicative of broader geopolitical shifts in the Indo-Pacific region. As the Trump administration seeks to reinforce its position and establish deterrence against threats, the implications of internal political dynamics in South Korea cannot be overlooked. The future of U.S.-Korea relations will likely depend on the resolution of these political challenges and the ability of both nations to engage collaboratively in addressing shared security concerns.
As the situation evolves, observers will be keeping a close eye on how both the U.S. and South Korea navigate these complex dynamics. The need for strong, united leadership is more pressing than ever, as regional stability hangs in the balance amid shifting alliances and emerging threats.
