[American flag. Photo credit to Pixabay]

On November 5, 2024, news channels from all around the world focused on one key event that is bound to change the status of the world: the reelection of Donald Trump as the 47th president of the United States. 

While this news may be a joy for some and a despair for others, the outcome has sparked particular concern in Seoul, where memories of previous policy shifts loom large.

The apprehension stems largely from the 2018 Singapore Summit between the United States and North Korea. 

During that historic meeting, South Koreans worldwide had hoped for progress toward reunification and North Korean denuclearization.

Instead, the talks yielded unexpected complications.

In a move that blindsided Seoul, the USdecided to suspend joint military exercises without prior consultation with then-South Korean President Moon Jae-in. 

This unilateral decision raised numerous concerns about the US commitment to the alliance, particularly when coupled with subsequent discussions about withdrawing US troops from the Korean peninsula.

The summit’s aftermath revealed critical shortcomings, including the absence of specific timelines or progress indicators for North Korea’s denuclearization.

While diplomatic channels briefly opened, the resulting cooperation proved short-lived.

Now, South Korean officials and citizens are monitoring several key issues.

Chief among these is the future of US troop presence and the financial implications of maintaining the alliance.

The spotlight falls on the recently negotiated ‘12th Special Measures Agreement (SMA), set to take effect from 2026 to 2030.

According to CNN, under this arrangement, South Korea is to contribute 1.52 trillion won (equivalent to $1.14 billion USD) by 2026, which is a 8.3% increase from 2025. 

Economic concerns extend beyond defense spending. 

In an article by Chung-in Moon, a professor at Yonsei University, Trump’s proposed tariffs could reduce South Korean exports, potentially affecting employment and living standards.

There are also worries of the stability of the two countries’ alliance in the long-term due to Trump’s quick approach to foreign policies. 

Meanwhile, research organization Brookings suggests that stricter immigration policies could hinder South Korea’s transition toward multiculturalism.

While uncertainty prevails, analysts emphasize that it’s premature to predict the exact trajectory of US-South Korean relations in the coming years.