(LEAD) S. Korea-U.S. combined exercise to conclude ahead of schedule after Trump order

South Korea and the United States are concluding their combined Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise nearly a week early, following U.S. President Donald Trump's directive to reduce the drills. The exercise, originally scheduled for 11 days, has been abbreviated to five days. Trump cited the cost burden and his good relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un as reasons for the reduction.

The shortened exercise will conclude on Friday, as planned. The remaining exercises that were removed from the agenda will be rescheduled with Washington's approval. The revised drills will focus on defensive operations and avoid counterattack-oriented drills, which were canceled. South Korea has favored adjusting the schedule instead of canceling the drills, as they are crucial for transferring wartime operational control from Washington.

The exercise's reduction is seen as a conciliatory gesture toward North Korea, potentially paving the way for renewed talks with Kim. North Korea has dismissed the drill cuts, maintaining its stance on the exercise's aggressive nature.