(LEAD) S. Korea, U.S. cut short joint military exercise following Trump order

South Korea and the United States are reducing their annual joint military exercise, Ulchi Freedom Shield, after U.S. President Donald Trump ordered a significant scaling down, according to South Korea's military. The exercise, which was set to run from August 17 to 27, will now conclude on Friday, nearly halving its duration. The Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) confirmed that field training, a critical component of the drills, will also be reduced.

The exercise, led by the Combined Forces Command (CFC), is divided between two command posts: one in Seongnam and another at Camp Humphreys, the main U.S. base in Pyeongtaek. The reduction reflects the adaptation in the scope of the exercise following Trump's directive. The U.S. Defense Department is actively implementing the president's order.

The UFS, primarily focused on contingencies against North Korea, had planned to conduct 14 field maneuvers this year, down from 17 last year. The allies have reportedly canceled the second half of the exercise, which involves counterattack scenarios against enemy aggression. This move comes amid speculation of a potential resumption of dialogue between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.