A Pentagon official on the 18th confirmed US–South Korea Ulchi Freedom Shield
exercises will end on the 21st, nearly a week earlier than planned. The official
said the drills were sharply scaled back on instructions from President Trump
and Defense Secretary Hegseth, with live troop training reduced and some events
canceled or converted to simulations. South Korea’s Joint Chiefs said on the
19th the exercise, originally set for the 17th–27th, will end six days early on
the 21st, shortening the schedule by more than half. Both sides agreed, at the
US proposal, to adjust timing and scope and to cut certain joint field
maneuvers; specific adjustments remain under negotiation.
