U.S. and South Korea Weigh New Role for U.S. Troops Amid Rising Regional Tensions. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is in South Korea for high-level talks focused on reshaping the role of American forces on the peninsula as Asia's security landscape shifts. Hegseth and South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back will meet Tuesday for the annual Security Consultative Meeting — their top defence forum to discuss joint readiness against North Korea, regional stability, and cooperation on cyber and missile defence. Washington is exploring ways to make its 28,500 troops in South Korea more flexible, potentially allowing operations beyond the peninsula to counter growing Chinese influence and defend allies like Taiwan. Seoul, however, remains cautious about the change, focusing instead on expanding its own defence capabilities and preparing to assume wartime operational control. Hegseth will also visit the Demilitarized Zone, as both nations face an increasingly defiant North Korea advancing its nuclear and missile programs despite repeated calls for dialogue. [Instructions: THIS VIDEO MUST NOT BE EDITED FOR LENGTH TO COMBINE WITH OTHER CONTENT]