South Korean president admits Seoul cannot stop US from moving military assets

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung stated on March 10, 2026, that Seoul cannot prevent the United States from redeploying military assets from the peninsula, raising concerns about the shifting role of American forces stationed in the country. Analysts say the episode exposes a stark reality for Seoul: US forces Korea are increasingly being used for missions beyond deterring North Korea as Washington pushes for greater “strategic flexibility” for its troops overseas. Lee sought to reassure the country that the moves would not significantly undermine Seoul’s deterrence against Pyongyang.