ROK-US defense cost-sharing talks remain at standstill

The defense cost-sharing talks between Korea and the United States are still showing no signs of progress, raising concerns that the furlough of Korean employees of the U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) may be extended indefinitely.

This is a huge U-turn from last week's expectations that the allies were moving closer to signing the latest Special Measure Agreement (SMA) that determines the amount of money Korea will contribute toward the upkeep of 28,500 American troops stationed here.

Although the foreign ministry has said the negotiation hit a last-minute snag, experts believe Seoul's refusal to accept Washington's demand for a hefty increase in its share is the reason behind the stalled months-long negotiations being dragged out further.

Read the full article and more in The Korea Times.