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 cancelled 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

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 cancelled 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.