US-South Korea joint military drills end early on Trump's orders

The US-South Korea joint military exercise 'Ulchi Freedom Shield,' which was underway, was prematurely terminated on the afternoon of the 21st following instructions from US President Donald Trump. The exercise, originally scheduled to conclude on the 27th, was shortened to the 21st after President Trump ordered a reduction in scale to the Pentagon on the 16th.

This drill only implemented the first phase, which deals with defense against North Korean attacks. This marks the first time the scale and duration of a training exercise have been significantly reduced at the request of one party since its commencement. Of the 14 outdoor field training exercises linked to 'Ulchi Freedom Shield,' only 7 were conducted as scheduled, while a plan to disperse the remaining 7 at different times within the year is currently being discussed by the US and South Korea.

The decision to scale back the exercise came after President Trump's remarks emphasizing the need to consider his good relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. North Korea responded negatively to President Trump's proposal for a 'meeting within the year' on the 19th and, on the 20th, launched about ten short-range ballistic missiles into the East Sea.