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Han Duck-soo, acting president and prime minister, poses for a commemorative photo with South Korean and U.S. service members during a visit to the ROK-U.S. Combined Forces Command at Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, on April 23. / Source: Prime Minister’s Office

Acting President and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo visited the ROK-U.S. Combined Forces Command at Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, on April 23, expressing gratitude to South Korean and U.S. service members and reaffirming the strength of the bilateral alliance.

This marked Han’s second military base visit in just over 20 days, following his April 1 trip to the Joint Security Area (JSA) at Panmunjom.

The visit comes a day before crucial trade talks with the United States, adding strategic significance to Han’s public show of alliance solidarity. Diplomatic sources have raised concerns that Washington may push for increased defense cost sharing from Seoul during these talks.

Han’s stop at Camp Humphreys—often seen as the symbol of combined defense—comes at a time when discussions are intensifying within the Trump administration over realigning U.S. forces in Asia to counter China. The visit was widely interpreted as a move to project an unshakable alliance between the two nations.

Han emphasized that the strategic location of U.S. military bases in Korea remains critical in Washington’s Indo-Pacific strategy and reiterated that a strong ROK-U.S. combined defense posture benefits both nations’ security.

The visit also reflects growing anticipation over the potential renegotiation of the Special Measures Agreement (SMA), which sets South Korea’s contributions to the cost of stationing U.S. forces. Though the current deal extends to 2030, President Donald Trump has repeatedly indicated his intent to reopen talks. In a recent interview with the Financial Times, Han said there was "no fixed framework" for the talks, leaving room for issue-based renegotiations.

The Prime Minister’s Office noted that the Combined Forces Command, established in November 1978, has played a vital role in deterring aggression against South Korea through over 70 years of integrated military effort, while also contributing through humanitarian and community outreach activities.

Welcomed by troops, Han entered the headquarters and held discussions with Gen. Xavier Brunson, Commander of the ROK-U.S. Combined Forces Command, on alliance readiness and other key security matters. He was joined by senior defense and foreign affairs officials, including Kang Shin-chul, the deputy commander, and Joy Sakurai, deputy U.S. ambassador to Korea.

Han highlighted the unwavering strength of the alliance and urged continued reinforcement of combined readiness. “Let us work to ensure the U.S.-ROK alliance continues to grow stronger,” he said.

Han also visited the helicopter hangar of the U.S. 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade to thank troops for their role in fighting wildfires earlier this year. He introduced himself as “Han Duck-soo, former Republic of Korea Army Sergeant, service number 12168724,” and said, “I came here to encourage our brave soldiers who are dedicated to peace on the Korean Peninsula—but I leave feeling even more inspired by your passion and spirit.”

He personally named six service members, including Capt. Will Marshall and Lt. Jordan Devereaux, who had contributed to firefighting efforts, and expressed gratitude on behalf of the Korean people.

“Camp Humphreys is a symbol of the U.S.-Korea alliance and our unbreakable combined defense posture,” Han said. “I trust and support all of you unconditionally.”

The visit concluded with Han initiating the symbolic alliance motto, calling out, “Katchi kapshida!” to which the service members responded, “We go together.”