Number: RL33567
Title: Korea-U.S Relations - Issues for Congress
Authors: Larry A. Niksch, Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division 
Abstract: South Korea followed a conciliation policy toward North Korea under the administrations of Kim Dae-jung and Roh Moo-hyun; but President Lee Myung-bak, elected in December 2007, states that he will link South Korean aid to North Korea more closely to the nuclear issue and will press North Korea on human rights. North Korea responded by cutting off most contacts with the Lee government. The United States signed a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with South Korea (the seventh largest U.S. trading partner) in 2007. There is support but also opposition to the FTA in both the United States and South Korea, and U.S. congressional support of the FTA appears unlikely in 2008. The U.S. and R.O.K. military establishments have agreed since 2004 on the relocation and withdrawals of U.S. troops in South Korea and on the disbandment of the unified military command and establish separate U.S. and R.O.K. military commands. However, recent Pentagon policies and South Korean government decisions indicate either delays in implementing the agreements or new limits on withdrawals and relocations.
Pages: 20
Date: July 25, 2008