"My view remains that South Korea is a close and trusted ally of ours, but they are another country. They can and should pay more to help for our regional defence and their specific defence", Esper said during a briefing.
According to the official, the State Department is leading the talks with Seoul on the matter.
Esper Says South Korea 'Can, Should' Increase Payment for US Troops Stationed There
© AP Photo / Jacquelyn Martin
The United States and South Korea are negotiating the extension of their cost-sharing deal dubbed Special Measures Agreement (SMA). Under the previous agreement, Seoul paid $870 million, however, the US has demanded that South Korea increase their payment to $5 billion under the new SMA.