Trump’s First Visit to Korea

It’s always fun to write a piece for The Korea Times, and when I was asked to contribute my views on Trump’s upcoming visit I jumped on the opportunity.

As I point out in my article below, the ROK-US alliance is strong - and getting stronger.

South Korea and the United States have agreed to increase their military spending and joint exercises. They have also invested billions of dollars in a shared vision of mutual defense and preparedness: the recently-opened Camp Humphreys. Located about 45 miles south of Seoul, the US Army’s “flagship” installation is one of America’s largest overseas bases. With a price tag of over $14 billion – paid in large part by the South Korean government – Camp Humphreys, a 3,500-acre complex with more than 500 buildings, has become a symbol of the US-ROK alliance. It will eventually be home to some 28,000 servicemen and women and their families.

Camp Humphreys, July 2017. Trump will visit the US Army base on November 7, 2017. (Photo credit: Kim Jeong-hyo, staff photographer at hani.co.kr)

Although Trump and South Korean President Moon Jae-in don’t agree on everything - KORUS FTA, THAAD, and the OPCON transfer to name a few - they will hopefully come to a resolution or reach a compromise on these issues. Nothing will get finalized over the next 48 hours, but Trump and Moon’s time together, and their willingness to listen and empathize with one another, will be crucial to a successful summit and our continued alliance.

Trump’s first stop in South Korea will be Camp Humphreys. He’ll be the first US president to visit the base. On his second and last day of his state visit, he’ll make a speech at the ROK's National Assembly and attend a ceremony at Seoul National Cemetery (similar to Arlington National Cemetery in the US).

It’s going to be a busy week in Seoul. Stay tuned . . .