The U.S. and South Korea presented their respective visions for a new Special Measures Agreement (SMA) during the first round of negotiations held in Honolulu from April 23 to 25, 2024. The talks aimed to determine South Korea’s financial contribution to the stationing costs of U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) after the current six-year SMA expires at the end of 2025.

Linda Specht, the top U.S. negotiator, emphasized the U.S. commitment to reinforcing the combined defense posture and the enduring vitality of the U.S.-ROK alliance. She said that the U.S. seeks a “fair” and “equitable” outcome in the negotiations, which will determine Seoul’s share of costs for Korean USFK workers, military installations, training and logistical support.