South Korean audit reveals friction in US alliance as Washington’s priorities shift

SEOAN: South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has faced criticism from the opposition over his handling of the US alliance following a month-long parliamentary audit that revealed strains in ties. The audit exposed tensions over intelligence sharing, White House access, and US visa denials, raising questions about the future course of the alliance as the US shifts its military priorities towards China.

US officials maintain that 28,500 US troops stationed in South Korea will continue to focus on deterring North Korea but are willing to operate beyond the peninsula to address regional threats. However, a Pew Research survey found that 55% of South Koreans hold an unfavorable view of the US, the highest in over two decades. Spy chief Lee Jong-seok admitted that Washington has restricted sensitive intelligence sharing after accusing a South Korean minister of disclosing details about a previously unidentified North Korean nuclear site.

The opposition People Power Party has blamed President Lee and his policies for causing the alliance to "break up," stating that the cause of the breakdown lies within the government. South Korean government officials, however, have attempted to portray the alliance as stable, with the Foreign Minister asserting that turbulence is temporary.

The US national security strategy released this year has surprised Seoul by focusing less on deterring North Korea, signaling a change in priorities. Divided opinion exists within Washington, with the Democratic-controlled Congress potentially constraining Trump's actions while still pressuring Seoul for greater defense cost-sharing and strategic flexibility for US forces in regional contingencies.