Fred Fleitz, a former top Trump security official, visited Seoul to ease Korean concerns, dismissing reports of Trump demanding payment for US troop presence. Fleitz emphasized Trump’s friendship with South Korea and expected negotiations on the matter.
Moon Seong-mook of the Korea Research Institute for National Strategy warned of difficulties in reviving talks with North Korea under a Trump administration.
Sohn Yul of Seoul National University expressed concerns about Trump’s potential retrenchment from international affairs affecting allies’ defense commitments.
Yang Moo-jin of the University of North Korean Studies anticipated challenges and opportunities for South Korea under a second Trump term, based on potential trade pressure and diplomatic clashes.