US military presence needed even in case of Korean reunification

South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

When asked in an interview with Fox News whether he wanted the US military to leave the Korean peninsula, the South Korean president was quite negative when he replied:

"I can say that the presence of the US military in South Korea is beneficial not only in terms of deterring North Korea, but also plays a key role in maintaining peace and stability throughout Northeast Asia. Even after the signing of the treaty ending the war and immediately after unification, I see the need for the US military presence in South Korea to preserve peace and stability," Moon Jae-in said.

During a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un on September 18, South Korean President Moon Jae-in said that the issue of deploying US armed forces in South Korea "depends on the decision of South Korea and the US regardless of the declaration of the end of the war or a peace treaty." He also stressed that the North Korean leader agreed with him.